Ryan Spencer Cook, who performs in Ace Frehley’s solo band, has addressed what appears to be criticism from Scot Coogan, Frehley’s longtime drummer and vocalist since 2006, regarding plans for a series of tribute shows.
The performances will feature Cook alongside three musicians originally selected by Frehley for his 2018 Australian tour, Philip Shouse (bass), Jeremy Asbrock (guitar/vocals), and Christopher Williams (drums). as they play Frehley’s 1978 solo album in full, along with classic Kiss material.
The quartet originally collaborated with Gene Simmons under the Gene Simmons Band moniker. Following that stint, they were recruited to back the Ace while Gene Simmons returned to Kiss to prepare for the massive “End Of The Road” farewell tour. While Jeremy Asbrock, Ryan Spencer Cook, and Philip Shouse accepted the gig, Christopher Williams was forced to decline due to scheduling conflicts with the German heavy metal outfit Accept.
On April 1st, Scot Coogan officially broke his silence following the tragic passing of the iconic Kiss guitarist.
He wrote in a statement: “I have remained silent intentionally — to give my crew, management, and most importantly Ace‘s family the time and respect they deserve to grieve without noise, speculation, or opportunism.”
“I personally feel it is far too soon to perform Ace‘s music, and I have absolutely no interest in profiting from his name, likeness, or legacy.”
“Working with Ace since 2006 was one of the greatest honors of my life. We shared the stage on countless tours and collaborated on multiple recordings, but our connection went much deeper than music. Ace walked my wife down the aisle and stood beside me as my best man. He wasn’t just someone I worked with — he was family. And because he was family, I will always protect and honor his legacy. Any money that comes to me connected to Ace‘s name, music, or likeness will be donated to an animal charity in his honor.”
“In the meantime, I’ve continued working — recording in Los Angeles, performing with my Led Zeppelin tribute project, and focusing on building my own music and identity.”
“When the time comes to honor Ace‘s contributions to rock and roll, it will not be rushed, and it will not be exploited. It will be done the only way that matters — with dignity, respect, and real love.”
Earlier today (Friday, April 3), Cook posted a statement on social media that seemed to respond directly to Coogan’s remarks.
He wrote: “Grief recognizes neither time nor space. One cannot place a time limit on grief… it’s different for everyone. While some are able to navigate through its murky waters quicker than others, some never recover from it at all. But… do you know what DOES in fact have an expiration date? The time that we have here on this Earth. And if you’d like to celebrate something or someone, you do what is right for you. Please… don’t let anyone tell you when it’s safe, too soon or too late to celebrate someone’s life, love and legacy. If your heart’s in the right place when doing so, it’s a beautiful thing.”
Ace Frehley passed away last October at the age of 74. According to an official report from the Morris County Medical Examiner, the musician’s death was ruled an accident caused by blunt-force head trauma sustained from a fall. A CT scan showed multiple contusions, skull fractures, and a subdural hematoma, while the report also indicated he had suffered a stroke. Additional bruising was noted on his hip, thigh, and abdomen. A separate toxicology report remains unreleased.
Longtime manager John Ostrosky previously confirmed to the New York Post that the heavy metal icon was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx on October 22, following a private memorial service in Yonkers, New York.
2026 Australian Tribute Tour Dates:
- Sep. 11 – Perth @ Rosemount
- Sep. 12 – Adelaide @ Lion Arts Factory
- Sep. 17 – Brisbane @ Crowbar
- Sep. 18 – Sydney @ Crowbar
- Sep. 19 – Melbourne @ Max Watts
