The Loudini Rock and Roll Circus

 Silent stages; pro & con (John Wesley YouTube), why bother releasing new music? Greg Bisonnette tells stories about Steve on the Skyscraper sessions (drum channel), why you cannot compare Anika Nilles, John Rutsey to Neil Peart, It was 49 years ago today; The Last Waltz, Alice’s Restaurant Pittsburgh Kevin: am i being punked, adulting is tough, kurt cobain’s mustang, large maragie Film Corner: The Soviet Sleep Experiment, Full Metal Jacket, The Descendant, flesh of the unforgiven, girl upstairs, ilsa she wolf of the ss,

 Paul McCartney Silent Protest Song WTF???, Marty5150 @ Nashville Parthenon, Jimmy Page and The Kinks Controversy,    Featured Topic: Neal Schon   Neal Schon Career & Bio: Podcast Outline General Biography Full Name: Neal Joseph Schon (born February 27, 1954, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma).wikipedia+1​ Parents: Both were musicians — his father a jazz saxophonist and arranger, mother a singer.ultimatesantana+1​ Early music education: Started with saxophone and oboe before switching to guitar at age 10.ultimatesantana​ Dropped out of high school at 15 to join Santana.imdb+1​ Co-founded Journey in 1973 with Gregg Rolie.wikipedia+1​ Only original member to appear on every Journey album and tour.globalmusicrights​ Career Highlights Santana membership at age 15, invited after Carlos Santana outbid Eric Clapton's invitation for Neal to join Derek and the Dominos.ultimatesantana​ Key band involvements: Santana (early 1970s).ultimatesantana​ Journey (founder, 1973–present).globalmusicrights+1​ HSAS (with Sammy Hagar, 1984).imdb​ Bad English (late 1980s).imdb+1​ Hardline (1990s+).globalmusicrights​ 10 solo albums, including collaborations with artists like Jan Hammer.globalmusicrights​ Little Known & Entertaining Facts Was courted by both Santana and Derek and the Dominos at just 15.ultimatesantana​ Played on Betty Davis’s influential funk album (Miles Davis’ then-wife).kcrw​ Performed with fusion keyboardist Jan Hammer, releasing “Here To Stay” (1982).imdb+1​ Released a number of solo projects and played with numerous side bands during Journey hiatus years.imdb+1​ Has a significant collection of vintage guitars.kcrw​ Auctioned off part of his guitar collection in 2021.kcrw​ In addition to guitar, can play reeds and oboe, which shaped his phrasing.ultimatesantana​ Journey’s name came from a roadie suggestion; originally called the Golden Gate Rhythm Section.wikipedia​ Guitar Technique & Musical Education Self-taught early on, practiced intensely as a child, could learn intricate solos by ear.ultimatesantana​ Influences: B.B. King, Albert King, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Jimmy Page, Peter Green.wikipedia​ Known for: Fast, clean alternate picking and sweep picking.reddit​ Strong melodic phrasing, blending blues with rock and jazz.reddit+1​ Use of technique “chunking,” breaking parts into manageable runs.reddit​ Signature melodic solos featuring sustain, phrasing, and expressive bends. Often integrates fusion and jazz concepts from his father’s lessons.ultimatesantana​ Guitars, Amps & Effects (Gear) Early guitars: Acoustic Stella, then Gibson ES-335, then a ’56 Les Paul Goldtop.wikipedia​ Main guitars: Gibson Les Pauls (notably in the late ’70s and ’80s).musicstrive+1​ Fender guitars, especially Aerodyne Stratocaster for ’80s/’90s tones.musicstrive​ Also used Ovation in the live setting.wikipedia​ Pickups: Favors Seymour Duncan SH-11 humbuckers for a powerful, expressive response.musicstrive​ Amp settings (classic Journey sound): Volume: 7 Bass: 5 Mids: 9 (heavy midrange for classic rock punch) Treble: 7–8 (tight, articulate top end) Presence: 10 (strong pick attack and clarity).musicstrive​ Effects: Uses effects for sustain and flair, but tone is mostly amp-driven with subtle use of pedals, sometimes utilizing tremolo effects for solos.musicstrive​ Blends classic tube amp drive with modern clarity for lead work.musicstrive​ Collaborations (Deep Cuts) Jan Hammer: Fusion/rock albums like “Here To Stay”; showcased his improvisation skills and love for jazz.globalmusicrights+1​ Betty Davis: Groundbreaking funk rock.kcrw​ Side projects: HSAS with Sammy Hagar, Hardline, Bad English.imdb+1​ Studio work for diverse acts outside mainstream rock, showing his range.   Here are 10 little-known Neal Schon anecdotes, each crafted for compelling audio storytelling, that reach beyond typical rock trivia and showcase his unique experiences, humor, and quirks: Ten Little Known Neal Schon Anecdotes The 15-Year-Old Prodigy Decision When he was just 15, both Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton wanted Neal in their bands—he chose Santana, turning down the chance to play with Derek and the Dominos, even though Clapton personally invited him.nndb+1​ Moonlighting with a Funk Legend After Santana but before Journey, Neal played guitar on a wild, groundbreaking funk album by Betty Davis, Miles Davis’s then-wife, bringing his rock chops to a hard-grooving session among funk’s originators.kcrw​ Vintage Guitar Auction Shock Schon owned a reported 800-plus guitars at one point and shocked collectors in 2021 by auctioning off some his most prized, rare instruments, thinning his legendary stash to the disbelief of gear-heads everywhere.kcrw​ The Ice-Cold Guitar Solo During the filming of a Journey video, a drenched and exhausted Schon had to perform a solo while ice-cold water poured on him—for authenticity and drama, but also to help him wake up after a long, draining shoot.youtube​ Journey’s Band-Naming Oddball Moment The name “Journey” actually came from a roadie’s suggestion—a random, last-minute choice after hours of the band throwing around names and getting nowhere.wikipedia​ Epic Pedalboard Adventures Neal's custom pedalboard, built for his evolving sound, reportedly spanned nearly 10 feet and was sometimes so complex that even other guitarists were intimidated to try using it.youtube​ A Most Unusual Studio Engineer During early recording days, Journey had an English engineer famed for taping together master reels—sometimes while high and holding razor blades dangerously close to precious tapes, raising everyone’s blood pressure in the studio.youtube​ A Guitarist’s Respect for the Reeds Few know that Neal started out not on guitar, but playing saxophone and oboe—those wind instrument roots shaped his unusually lyrical guitar phrasing, inspiring his signature sound.ultimatesantana​ The “Wheel In The Sky” Feud In a notorious backstage feud, Neal once prohibited fellow bandmate Jonathan Cain from playing rhythm guitar on “Wheel in the Sky,” right in the middle of an ongoing lawsuit, just to make a point.avoidablecontact​ Rock’n’Roll Romance Lawsuit Schon was at the center of a sensational real-life drama, sued by a reality TV star after eloping with the man’s wife—an incident capped by a shockingly blunt email from Schon that was entered as evidence in court.avoidablecontact​ Neal Schon played several guitars during his early years with Santana, most notably a 1969 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, which he used extensively on the 1971 Santana III album and various live performances during that era. This guitar was his main instrument and was known for its rich tone that helped define his early sound with the band. He started on acoustic Stella and Gibson ES-335 earlier but the Les Paul Goldtop became synonymous with his Santana years.intelligentcollector+1​ Regarding Woodstock, Neal Schon did not play with Santana at the 1969 Woodstock festival. At that time, he was only 15 and had not yet joined the band. Santana’s Woodstock performance came before Neal joined, so he was not part of that historic show.reddit​ In summary: Early Santana guitar: 1969 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop primarily.intelligentcollector​ Did not play Woodstock with Santana—joined after that iconic performance.reddit​ Michaele Salahi and Neal Schon eloped in 2013 following a highly public and tumultuous relationship. Michaele disappeared from her then-husband Tareq Salahi, prompting him to file a missing-persons report, only for it to be discovered that she had left to be with Neal Schon, with whom she had a previous friendship. Their rapid public engagement soon followed, with Neal proposing on stage during a concert. The motivation behind their elopement included a desire to celebrate their friendship-turned-romance in their own way—eschewing traditional wedding norms for a pay-per-view live event in San Francisco. This allowed fans to take part and also funneled proceeds to typhoon relief, while emphasizing the couple's aim for authenticity and a celebration of enduring friendship and love, especially after their headline-making, dramatic departures from previous relationships. Pittsburgh Kevin: k-tel, new tiktok guitarist,   Film Corner: Playdate, Phantom Menace (Hal9000 edit), Flight vs Sully

Graham Bonnet lip synching all along?(full in bloom w/ Jimmy Waldo), $15000 Amp Worth It?(Michael Nielson, Naylor Amp History ) The Rock Hall is a Joke (Rock ‘N Roll True Stories), (Ozzy, Steve Miller, Paul Stanley Gene Simmons, Phish, hard rock & metal are shunned, Judas Priest “musical excellence award”, confusing definition of rock and roll,Dolly Parton records rock album to justify her induction, Steve Miller $10,000/ticket, no tickets for your band members, artists treated like shit, Happy Birthday Billy Price!, Boss Plug Out, How to convert people to RUSH(robert’s record corner) Pittsburgh Kevin: back 2 the future, G&L Guitars,  Film Corner: Should disney unban song of the south?(THE MATTYAM VAULT), Black Phone 2, Kong; Skull Island, Godzilla(2014), Good boy(2025), River’s Edge, Designated Survivor,

Did Van Halen have a song (music) in Back to the Future?  Ever wonder how  The Kentucky Head Hunters road a unique line between country and southern rock? All this and the story behind "The Great Pumpkin" on this week's Loudini Rock & Roll Circus!   Loudini: Eddie Van Halen’s Back to the Future “solo” (stageleftsounds),    the great pumpkin charlie brown(the village vault), kids sent candy, first halloween special, music recorded in one (8 hour) day, premiered in canada one day earlier, 2 emmy nominations, hijacked by appleTV 2020, fits in with peanuts canon from the daily strip including great pumpkin, 25 minutes long,TV-G, linus actually believes in the great pumpkin,    The story of the Kentucky Headhunters( rock ‘n roll true stories), The Plasmatics(guitar meets science), The CIA Using Music w/ Mike Benz(danny jones clips),    Riff of the Week: do you know the notes Pittsburgh Kevin: tiktok blooper, michael berryman, the universe hates me, lemon and the landlord Film Corner: The Stairs, The Fifth Element, Why Little Anakin?(star wars theory)

On this week's Loudini Rock & Roll Circus we dive in the the life and times of KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. Ace had an amazing career and life both in and out of KISS. We had a lot of fun telling some of his wacky rock and roll stories! Plus, what's us with the Mesa-Boogie Mark IIC reissue?  Did Cliff Williams play the wrong bass line on Back 'n Black.  And yes... Big Foot is real!   Loudini: Ace Frehley: 🎸 Ace Frehley — The Spaceman of Rock ‘n’ Roll Born Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley on April 27, 1951, in The Bronx, New York, Ace is best known as the original lead guitarist and co-founder of KISS, one of the most iconic and theatrical rock bands of all time. His space-themed persona — “The Spaceman” — perfectly matched his cosmic sound, filled with fiery solos, heavy riffs, and wild stage energy that helped define KISS’s larger-than-life image. Ace joined KISS in 1973, answering an ad in the Village Voice, and his unique, melodic playing quickly became a key part of the band’s signature sound. He wrote or co-wrote some of KISS’s most beloved tracks, including “Cold Gin,” “Shock Me,” “Parasite,” “Rocket Ride,” and “2,000 Man.” His solo on “Shock Me” — inspired by an onstage electrocution incident — is often cited as one of the great classic rock guitar solos of the 1970s. In 1978, when each member of KISS released a solo album, Ace’s was the most commercially and critically successful of the four, producing the hit single “New York Groove,” which became a Top 20 hit and remains one of his signature songs. Frehley left KISS in 1982, citing burnout and creative differences, but he returned for the band’s 1996 reunion tour — one of the biggest in rock history — and continued performing with KISS through the early 2000s. His solo career has remained active and prolific, highlighted by albums like “Frehley’s Comet” (1987), “Anomaly” (2009), “Space Invader” (2014), and “Spaceman” (2018). Ace has influenced generations of guitarists with his blues-based phrasing, use of effects, and explosive personality, earning a reputation as both a showman and a genuinely innovative player. His signature Gibson Les Paul — often customized to shoot smoke or light up — became one of the most famous guitars in rock history. Today, Ace Frehley is recognized not only as the original lead guitarist of KISS but as a solo artist who helped shape the sound and image of hard rock and glam metal. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of KISS Solo-Career Highlights & Album Performance Here are some of the key solo-albums, how they performed, and what stands out: 1978 – Ace Frehley Released September 18, 1978 on Casablanca. (Wikipedia) Included the hit single “New York Groove” (a cover of a song by Hello written by Russ Ballard). (acefrehley.fandom.com) Charted at No. 26 on the U.S. Billboard 200. (Wikipedia) It was certified Platinum (meaning shipments over 1 million in the U.S.). (Wikipedia) Among the four simultaneous solo albums released by the original KISS members that day, Ace’s was the strongest commercially. (kiss.fandom.com) For your podcast: this album remains a key starting point — it showed that he could step outside KISS and have meaningful solo impact. 1980s – Frehley’s Comet (1987) & Trouble Walkin’ (1989) “Frehley’s Comet” (1987) is often considered his first major post-KISS solo band outing. It charted at No. 43 on the Billboard 200. (Wikipedia) “Trouble Walkin’” (1989) featured guests (see below) and charted at No. 102. (Wikipedia) These albums came during a time of transition, and while commercially they didn’t match the ’78 record’s impact, they reinforced his solo identity. 2009 – Anomaly Released September 15, 2009. (Wikipedia) Debuted at No. 27 on the Billboard 200. (Wikipedia) For the podcast: highlights his comeback era and his ability to still produce strong chart numbers decades after his initial success. 2014 – Space Invader Released August 18/19, 2014 via eOne. (Wikipedia) Achieved No. 9 on the Billboard 200 — the only solo album by a past or current KISS member to reach the Top 10. (Noise11.com) Very much a high point for his late-career solo work. 2024 – 10,000 Volts Released February 23, 2024. (Wikipedia) Topped both the Hard Music and Rock Album Charts, and had strong international physical sales (e.g., #1 Sweden physical). (MNRK Heavy) Demonstrates his enduring appeal well into his 70s. Summary of Sales/Impact The 1978 album remains his best-selling solo work (Platinum). While precise full sales numbers for all his solo albums are harder to validate publicly, some indication: his 2016 covers album Origins Vol. 1 had “150,000+ solo albums in the U.S. alone (75% physical)” according to a sell-sheet. (Axis) Chart performance indicates sustained relevance: from Top 30 (Anomaly) to Top 10 (Space Invader) to strong rock chart performance in 2024. Key Takeaways for Podcast Ace proved that his solo career wasn’t a footnote — he had real commercial success and longevity. The 1978 debut set the bar. His later work (2014, 2024) shows he could still move units and connect with fans decades later. For your listeners: emphasize the consistency — a classic guitarist staying active, evolving, and achieving milestones across eras. Guest Appearances, Collaborations & Covers Ace’s solo career and side projects also feature a number of interesting collaborations and guest appearances: On Origins Vol. 1 (2016, covers album): guests included Paul Stanley (his KISS bandmate), Slash, Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), John 5 (Rob Zombie / Marilyn Manson). (metalforcesmagazine.com) On Origins Vol. 2 (2020): guests included Lita Ford, Bruce Kulick (former KISS guitarist), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick). (Wikipedia) He also guested on other artists’ projects: for example on the 2012 Bret Michaels solo album (playing lead solo) alongside Michael Anthony (Van Halen) and Joe Perry (Aerosmith). (BLABBERMOUTH.NET) On the 1994 Cat #1 by Peter Criss (his former bandmate in KISS), Ace played lead guitar on several tracks (“Bad Attitude”, “Walk the Line”, “Blue Moon Over Brooklyn”). (Wikipedia) Significance for Your Podcast These collaborations show Ace reaching out and working with both his peers (old KISS members) and younger/associated rock stars — establishing credibility and relevance across generations. The presence of high-profile guests underscores the respect he had in the rock community. Cover albums reveal his influences and his willingness to reinterpret classics, a nice talking point. TV & Media Appearances He has done TV interviews — for example, in December 2009 he appeared on Swedish TV talk shows “Robins” and “Aftonbladet TV” during his Anomaly era. (BLABBERMOUTH.NET) The Late Late Show with James Corden (2018): A version of KISS featuring Ace made a special appearance during a cruise performance, which was taped and aired on that show. (JamBase) He has been featured in behind-the-scenes web series (“On the Road with Ace Frehley”) circa 2025. (BLABBERMOUTH.NET) For your podcast: You might mention that beyond music, Ace engaged with media/platforms beyond just concerts and albums — talk shows, web documentaries, international TV — which helps show the breadth of his solo persona. Suggested Talking Points for Your Podcast Here are some ideas you might weave into your discussion: The contrast: how Ace’s solo debut (1978) exploded in comparison to the other members’ solo work, and what that told us about his individual appeal. How his chart resurgence (Space Invader top 10, 10,000 Volts strong rock chart showing) indicates that he remained creatively vital decades after his KISS peak. The role of covers albums (Origins Vol 1 & 2) in his career: reflecting both his influences and his ability to collaborate. The guest-appearance network: rock royalty choosing to work with him — a good indicator of his legacy and respect among peers. His media outreach: TV appearances and modern web series, showing he adapted to the changing ways artists interact with audiences. Maybe a reflection: for listeners, what can a solo career after a big band teach us? Ace’s path shows both opportunity and challenge. Anecdote: The single “New York Groove” – how a cover became a solo signature — and how Ace wished he’d written it himself. (People.com) Here’s a detailed chronology of Ace Frehley’s solo/collaborative albums (release dates, chart peaks where available), plus a summary of major guest appearances & media/TV highlights you can use for your podcast notes. Solo & Band-Albums Chronology Note: Some albums are credited to Ace Frehley solo; some to his band Frehley’s Comet. I’ve listed them in chronological order with key data. Year Album Credit Release Date Chart / Key facts 1978 Ace Frehley Solo Sept 18, 1978 (Wikipedia) Peaked #26 on US Billboard 200. (Wikipedia) Certified Platinum (shipped over 1 million). (Wikipedia) The hit single “New York Groove” became a signature. (Top Charts) 1987 Frehley’s Comet Frehley’s Comet (band) 1987 (Apple Music - Web Player) First major post-KISS band outing. Chart peak not as prominent publicly. 1988 Second Sighting Frehley’s Comet May 24, 1988 (Justapedia) Third solo-era LP; band credited. Less Ace-centric according to commentary. 1989 Trouble Walkin’ Solo Oct 13, 1989 (Wikipedia) Peaked #102 on Billboard 200. Features guest performances by former KISS drummer and members of Skid Row. (Wikipedia) 2009 Anomaly Solo Sept 15, 2009 (Wikipedia) Debuted at #27 on Billboard 200. Marked a comeback after a long gap. (Wikipedia) 2014 Space Invader Solo August 18 (UK) / 19 (US) 2014 (Wikipedia) Reached #9 on US Billboard 200 — the only solo album by any past or current KISS member to hit Top 10. (Wikipedia) 2016 Origins Vol. 1 Solo (covers album) April 13 (Japan) / April 15 (US) 2016 (Wikipedia) Covers of songs that influenced him; guests include Slash, Lita Ford, John 5, Mike McCready, Paul Stanley. (Wikipedia) Charted #23 in US first week. (Wikipedia) 2018 Spaceman Solo October 19, 2018 (Music Charts Archive) Peaked #49 on Billboard (as per chart mention) after many years in the business. (Music Charts Archive) 2020 Origins Vol. 2 Solo (covers) September 18, 2020 (Wikipedia) Guest appearances include Lita Ford, John 5, Robin Zander, Bruce Kulick. (Wikipedia) 2024 10,000 Volts Solo February 23, 2024 (Wikipedia) Topped Hard Music & Rock Album Charts. Debuted strong physical sales (#1 Sweden physical) and other charts. (MNRK Heavy) Additional Notes: The 1978 debut remains his highest-selling solo album; shipping records show >1.3 million by June 1979. (kissconcerthistory.com) The gap between 1989 and 2009 shows a long hiatus in major studio releases of new material. The later period (2014 onward) shows a resurgence with solid chart performance and an emphasis on covers + collaboration. Covers albums (Origins) are particularly interesting from a narrative perspective — showing him revisiting his influences and collaborating with peers. Major Guest Collaborations, Media & TV Appearances Here are selected highlights worth including in your podcast to illustrate his broader activities beyond just album releases. Guest/Collaboration Highlights On Origins Vol. 1, notable guest musicians: Slash, Lita Ford, John 5, Mike McCready (of Pearl Jam), and his former KISS bandmate Paul Stanley. (Wikipedia) On Origins Vol. 2, guest list includes Lita Ford (again), John 5, Robin Zander (Cheap Trick) and Bruce Kulick (former KISS guitarist). (Wikipedia) In a 2017 interview on his SiriusXM appearance, Ace discussed writing songs with his former bandmate Gene Simmons (of KISS) saying: “I called him up … we had a fantastic time.” (Eddie Trunk) On Trouble Walkin’ (1989) album, guest appearances include his former KISS drummer Peter Criss, and members of Skid Row (Sebastian Bach, Rachel Bolan, Dave “Sabo”). (Wikipedia) TV / Media / Interview Highlights On October 1, 2018, during the annual cruise event (the “KISS Kruise”), KISS reunited with Ace Frehley & Bruce Kulick and appeared on the talk show The Late Late Show with James Corden. (JamBase) A 2025 web-series “On the Road with Ace Frehley” provided behind-the-scenes tour footage. (BLABBERMOUTH.NET) Appearances on syndicated radio shows: e.g., he featured as a special guest on the radio program Hard Rock Nights talking about his guitar work, fame and the making of Anomaly. (BraveWords - Where Music Lives) His solo album announcement and media build-up (for example the Origins albums) involved high-profile rock journalism and audio-visual promotion. Podcast Segment Suggestions Here are some talking-point ideas you can pull in: Evolution of his solo career: From the “you’re still part of KISS” era (1978) → new band (Frehley’s Comet) → long hiatus → resurgence with strong charting (2014 onward). Collaboration as indicator of respect: The star-guest line-ups on the Origins albums show how peers and later-generation rock artists viewed him. Media savvy & longevity: TV/radio/web appearances show he kept engaging with audiences beyond just studio albums. Narrative arcs: The peak: 1978 debut, hit single, platinum success. The struggle/transition: late 80s albums with less chart impact. The comeback: 2009, 2014, 2024 – new material, covers, renewed energy. Highlight a song/story: For example “New York Groove” (cover but became Ace’s anthem) – use as anchor moment in his solo career. Guest appearances to humanize him: e.g., writing with Gene Simmons, working with Slash or Lita Ford — show the interconnected rock-family world. Media appearances to show his brand/persona: The “Spaceman” persona still visible, but in new formats (cruise TV show, web-series) showing his adaptability. Mesa/Boogie MarkIIC++ (art of guitar), Is Big Foot real??? Update on the famed Patterson/Gimlin footage (cabin in the woods), there is no “one size fits all” for guitar technique (gavin brooks) Pittsburgh Kevin: Free Bird crash,   Riff of the week… Did Cliff Williams play Back ‘n Black wrong??? Film Corner: Signs (part 2), Ghost Game, Invaders From Mars, John Candy Roles, Casualties of War, Let Me In, Return of the Living Dead