**KISS Co-Founder Ace Frehley Reflects on ‘New York Groove’**
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Ace Frehley, known for co-founding the legendary rock band KISS, also had a notable solo career with the hit song ‘New York Groove’. Despite his success, Frehley recently revealed his one regret about the iconic song in an interview shortly before his passing on October 16 at the age of 74.


‘New York Groove’ was a standout track from Frehley’s self-titled solo album released in 1978. It reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming a fan-favorite. The song was particularly meaningful to Frehley, who was born in the Bronx, New York.
In a candid interview with Louder, Frehley disclosed his regret about the song. Despite its popularity, he admitted, “A lot of people think I wrote ‘New York Groove.’ It’s not a myth that I’ve perpetuated, but that’s the way it is. I wish I would’ve written the song, though. I would’ve made a lot more cash out of it.”
The track ‘New York Groove’ was actually penned by Russ Ballard and originally performed by the UK band Hello. Ballard, who wrote the song while flying to New York, shared his inspiration, saying, “While I was sitting on the plane I got out a pen and paper and started thinking of the phrase ‘back in the New York groove.'”
Despite the song’s success with Hello, Frehley conveyed that he had not heard their version. He expressed interest in listening to it, demonstrating his curiosity about its origins and creation.
Frehley’s solo album was a significant departure from his work with KISS, with each band member releasing their individual albums that year. While ‘New York Groove’ stood out as a commercial hit, Frehley maintained humility, stating, “It didn’t feel like I was getting one over on the other guys in KISS. It’s just something that happened.”
Reflecting on the impact of ‘New York Groove’, Frehley acknowledged its role in his journey as an artist. The song’s success empowered him during his time with KISS, ultimately leading to his decision to pursue a solo career and assert his individuality within the music industry.
As fans mourn Frehley’s passing, his legacy lives on through timeless hits like ‘New York Groove’. Despite his regret about not writing the song himself, the track remains a beloved classic in the rock music genre, showcasing Frehley’s unique talent and contribution to the industry.
In conclusion, Ace Frehley’s reflection on ‘New York Groove’ offers a glimpse into the creative process behind the song and sheds light on the complexities of artistic ownership in the music world. As the music community honours his memory, his music continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world.
