The Loudini Rock and Roll Circus – Details, episodes & analysis

THE MOST underrated guitarist of all time, Les Paul’s “trick”,  Tony Burrows Ghost Singer, good vs bad playing and practicing advice,  does relying on tablature hold you back in the long run? The push to get certain bands/artists quit performing live

Pittsburgh Kevin: stroker ace, podcasts with dumb hosts, 

Film Corner: Grand Torino, The Fugitive. Black rain, Fury

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New & Notable:

🎸 THIS WEEK IN ROCK: March 15–21 🔥 MARCH 15 🎵 Chart & Album Milestones

• Cream – Goodbye hits UK #1 (1969) Their final album—half live, half studio—goes to #1. 👉 Talking point: One of the earliest examples of a “farewell album” that actually delivered.
• The Doobie Brothers – “Black Water” hits #1 (1975) A laid-back, almost accidental hit (originally a B-side). (Boston's ROCK 92.9) 👉 Great discussion: how “throwaway tracks” sometimes become signature songs.

🏆 Rock Hall Moment

• 1999 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductions
  • Bruce Springsteen
  • Paul McCartney
  • Billy Joel 👉 Springsteen reunited with the E Street Band for the first time in years. (Boston's ROCK 92.9)

⚡ Controversy / Culture

• Marilyn Manson injured onstage (1999) Fell mid-show; concert cut short. (Wikipedia) 👉 “Rock danger” moment—ties into the unpredictability of live shows.

🔥 MARCH 16 📀 Industry Milestone

• RIAA introduces the “Diamond” certification (1999) 👉 Albums selling 10 million+ now get special status. (Wikipedia)

💡 Podcast angle: This changed how we measure “mega-success”—think:

• Led Zeppelin
• Pink Floyd

🍀 MARCH 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) 🎸 Cultural / Personal

• Not a huge rock-release day historically, BUT: 👉 Perfect excuse to spotlight Irish rock:
• U2
• Thin Lizzy
• The Cranberries

💡 Segment idea: “Best Irish contributions to REAL rock”

🔥 MARCH 18

(Historically quieter day—good place to insert themed segment)

💡 Suggested segment:

• “Greatest forgotten late-70s / early-80s album cuts”
• or
• “Best non-hit songs by famous bands”

🔥 MARCH 19 🎬 Rock + Film Moment

• “Blackboard Jungle” premieres (1955) Featuring:
  • Bill Haley & His Comets – “Rock Around the Clock” (Wikipedia)

👉 HUGE moment:

• First major film to use rock music
• Helped ignite rock’s mainstream explosion

💡 Talking point: Rock didn’t just grow—it invaded culture

🔥 MARCH 20

(Another lighter historical day—good storytelling opportunity)

💡 Suggested segment:

• “Craziest tour stories in rock history”
• Tie into upcoming March 21 events (below)

🔥 MARCH 21 🎤 HISTORIC EVENT (BIG ONE)

• Moondog Coronation Ball – First major rock concert (1952) (Wikipedia)

👉 Organized by:

• Alan Freed

👉 What happened:

• Massive overcrowding
• Crowd broke in → show shut down

💡 Podcast gold:

• The birth of live rock concerts
• Chaos + youth culture explosion

🎸 Tour Kickoff

• Alice Cooper – “Welcome to My Nightmare” tour begins (1975) (Wikipedia)

👉 One of the first:

• Fully theatrical rock tours
• Horror + stage production + storyline

🤘 Modern Rock Era

• Marilyn Manson – “Rock Is Dead” tour launches (1999) (Wikipedia)

👉 Evolution of shock rock from:

• Alice Cooper ➜ Manson

🎂 NOTABLE BIRTHDAYS (WEEK HIGHLIGHTS)

(Pull these into a segment)

• March 15–21 includes various rock-related figures depending on year—good place to: 👉 Use ThisDayInMusic’s “Born On This Day” tool for current-year tie-ins (This Day In Music)

⚰️ NOTABLE DEATHS

• This week is lighter historically for major classic rock deaths 👉 Opportunity: “Remembering legends lost this month”

i was today years old… the strange thing about pick ups(waylon McPherson)… def leppard not night ranger. The 5$ dumbbell (waylon McPherson),  Apparently building your own boutique guitar aint no thang(phil knight warmouth starcaster build) rude guitar store staff, Dee & Sebastian, Worst Band Names of all time, Why AI ISN’T going to kill music (probably not film either)(Colt Capperrune) “Worst” band names of all time, I got a promotion

Kevin: crazy guitar guy, heartbreaker chibson

 

Film Corner: the man from u. n. c. l. e., point of no return 

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New & Notable:

 

This Week In Rock History:

Rock History This Week March 8 – March 14 March 8

Key Stories

• 1974 – Queen release Queen II The band’s second album showcased Freddie Mercury’s fantasy-themed songwriting and Brian May’s layered guitar orchestration. It later became a cult favorite among Queen fans. https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/on-this-day-in-music-march-8/ (thisdayinmusic.com)
• 1994 – Soundgarden release Superunknown Featuring “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman,” the album helped push grunge into the mainstream and went 6× platinum in the U.S.. https://wrif.com/2026/03/08/this-day-in-rock-history-march-8/ (wrif.com)
• 1965 – Bob Dylan releases “Subterranean Homesick Blues” Dylan’s first Top-40 hit and one of his earliest electric recordings. The famous cue-card promotional film is often considered an early prototype of the modern music video. https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/on-this-day-in-music-march-8/ (thisdayinmusic.com)
• 1968 – Cream perform at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco Recordings from these concerts later appeared on the classic double album “Wheels of Fire.” https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/on-this-day-in-music-march-8/ (thisdayinmusic.com)

Deaths

• 1973 – Ron “Pigpen” McKernan (Grateful Dead) dies at 27 from liver failure. Founding keyboardist and blues singer who shaped the early Dead sound. https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/on-this-day-in-music-march-8/ (thisdayinmusic.com)
• 2016 – George Martin dies Legendary Beatles producer often called “The Fifth Beatle.” https://wrif.com/2026/03/08/this-day-in-rock-history-march-8/ (WRIF Rocks Detroit)

Other notable moment

• 1965 – David Bowie makes his first TV appearance performing with The Manish Boys. https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/on-this-day-in-music-march-8/ (thisdayinmusic.com)

March 9

Album Releases

• 1971 – Alice Cooper releases Love It to Death Breakthrough album featuring the hit “I’m Eighteen.” https://www.939xindy.com/2025/03/09/today-in-rock-history-march-9/ (939xindy.com)
• 1987 – U2 releases The Joshua Tree Featuring “With or Without You” and “Where the Streets Have No Name,” it became one of the most successful rock albums ever. https://www.939xindy.com/2025/03/09/today-in-rock-history-march-9/ (939X Indy's Rock Station - WNDX-FM)

Chart story

• 1991 – The Clash score their only UK #1 single “Should I Stay or Should I Go” tops the chart after being used in a Levi’s commercial. https://www.939xindy.com/2025/03/09/today-in-rock-history-march-9/ (939X Indy's Rock Station - WNDX-FM)

Birthdays

• John Cale – The Velvet Underground Founding member and avant-garde composer. https://www.939xindy.com/2025/03/09/today-in-rock-history-march-9/ (939X Indy's Rock Station - WNDX-FM)

March 10

Singles / recording events

• 1956 – “Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins enters the charts One of the foundational songs of early rock and roll. https://www.wwcfradio.org/today-in-rock-roll-history-march-10th/ (wwcfradio.org)
• 1964 – Simon & Garfunkel record the acoustic version of “The Sound of Silence.” The song later becomes a massive hit after electric overdubs are added without their knowledge. https://www.wwcfradio.org/today-in-rock-roll-history-march-10th/ (wwcf)

Album releases

• 1973 – Pink Floyd releases The Dark Side of the Moon One of the most famous albums in rock history, spending over 700 weeks on the charts. https://toptunetales.com/music-history-march-10/ (toptunetales.com)
• 2011 – Foo Fighters release Wasting Light Recorded in Dave Grohl’s garage and widely praised for its raw rock sound. https://toptunetales.com/music-history-march-10/ (TopTuneTales)

March 11

Album milestones

• 1978 – Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell begins a legendary 416-week run on the UK charts. It eventually sells over 40 million copies worldwide. https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/on-this-day-in-music-march-11/ (thisdayinmusic.com)
• 1972 – Neil Young’s Harvest hits #1 Includes the classic single “Heart of Gold.” https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/on-this-day-in-music-march-11/ (thisdayinmusic.com)

Rock history moment

• 1971 – Jim Morrison moves to Paris The Doors singer relocates shortly before his death that July. https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/on-this-day-in-music-march-11/ (thisdayinmusic.com)

Deaths

• 2016 – Keith Emerson (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) dies. A pioneering progressive rock keyboardist. https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/on-this-day-in-music-march-11/ (thisdayinmusic.com)

March 12

Iconic album release

• 1967 – The Velvet Underground & Nico released. Now considered one of the most influential albums ever made despite poor initial sales. https://musicdaily.com/music-history-for-march-7-13/ (musicdaily.com)

Other album releases

• 1980 – Billy Joel releases Glass Houses
• 1991 – R.E.M. releases Out of Time
• 1996 – KISS releases Kiss Unplugged featuring the original lineup reunion. https://www.939xindy.com/2025/03/12/today-in-rock-history-march-12/ (939X Indy's Rock Station - WNDX-FM)

March 13

Punk rock history

• 2006 – Sex Pistols refuse to attend their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. In a handwritten note they mock the institution, staying true to their anti-establishment image. https://musicdaily.com/music-history-for-march-7-13/ (Music Daily)

Modern rock

• 2026 – Canadian punk band PUP release the live album Megacity Madness. Recorded during their Toronto hometown shows celebrating their 2025 album. https://pitchfork.com/news/pup-announce-live-album-documentary-and-zine (pitchfork.com)

March 14

(Fewer historically huge rock events, but a few notable ones you can use as shorter segments.)

• 1975 – Alice Cooper releases Welcome to My Nightmare His first album after adopting the Alice Cooper name as a solo artist.
• Various tour stories and live-performance milestones appear in rock press this week each year.

Quick “Deep-Cut” Podcast Segment Ideas

These are good filler topics listeners love:

• The same week in 1994 saw Superunknown and The Downward Spiral both arrive in stores — a major moment for 90s rock.
• Cream’s Winterland recordings becoming part of Wheels of Fire.
• The Clash scoring a #1 thanks to a jeans commercial decades after the song came out.
• Jim Morrison’s final months in Paris.
• The Velvet Underground album that initially flopped but changed music history.

💡 If you'd like, I can also:

• Turn this into a tight podcast script outline (10–15 minutes)
• Add 10–15 more deep-cut events that most “This Day in Rock” lists miss
• Or organize it into segments like “Album of the Week,” “Rock Birthdays,” “On the Road,” etc. for smoother flow in your show.

On this week's Show: banned one hit wonders from the 70s and 80s (flashback america), James Hetfield CBS Sunday Morning, people talkin smak about Ozzy (rock feed), Heart’s weird ass history( flashback america) Featured topic: are Suhr guitars all that? Leon Todd Gushing over his Suhr Modern, melting spatulas, gig, prairie home companion

Pittsburgh Kevin: jammin on tiktok, 

 

Film Corner: Ed Wood, Alien, 2025: the worst year in history for movies

 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

1. 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

What happens when your fans know about your knew album when you haven't even released on yet??? Is A.I. crossing the line with regards to music? Also, Nuno Bettencourt leaves Washburn and there's a really AWESOME Documentary about RUSH's Farewell To Kings on Youtube

fans love her new album but she doesn’t have a new album! (wings of pegasus) (original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clydz8d03dvo ), Artists getting robbed by labels(the managers playbook), Joe Bonamassa’s Gear Advice for Guitarists, it’s not what you think(Gibson Gear Guide), Nuno leaves Washburn(Steve Cassidy Guitar) Original article: https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/electric-guitars/nuno-bettencourt-launches-nuno-guitars, the pixies “trick” that inspired Kurt Cobain (David Hartley),  RUSH adds more shows, Fans not happy about ticket prices, playing van halen in a mall(marty5150), Farewell To Kings Doc(the yak), red clay strays(joe rogan)

 

Pittsburgh Kevin: MTV is going off the air, 

 

Film Corner: Donnie Brasco,

80’s Albums That Deserved More Love(backstage classics):

Long After Dark; Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Mirage; Fleetwood Mac

Lap of Luxury; Cheap Trick

Paradise Theater; Styx

Rough Diamonds; Bad Company

Good Trouble: REO Speedwagon

Raised On Radio; Journey

Passion Works; Heart

Slide It In; White Snake (feat. Micky Moody, Jon Lord, John Sykes)

High & Dry; Def Leppard

Inside Information; Foreigner

You Want It, You Got It; Bryan Adams

Flowers in The Dirt; Paul McCartney (feat Elvis Costello)

 

SEGII:

 

New & Notable:

Kevin:

 

Loudini:

 

This Week In Rock History:

October 13

• Bob Dylan wins the Nobel Prize in Literature (2016) — big conversation starter about songwriters-as-poets and rock’s literary value. (This Day In Music)
• The Beatles debut on UK TV’s Sunday Night at the London Palladium (1963) — major TV appearance that helped propel Beatlemania in the UK. (This Day In Music)
• The Who record “My Generation” at Pye Studios (1965) — studio milestone for a classic-rock anthem. (This Day In Music)
• U2’s The Unforgettable Fire hits UK No.1 (anniversary note, 1984) — good tie-in for discussions of U2’s 80s evolution and Eno/Lanois production. (This Day In Music)
• Notable birthdays (use for quick “On This Day” mentions): Paul Simon, Robert Lamm (Chicago), Sammy Hagar. (This Day In Music)

(Full October 13 page with additional items.) (This Day In Music)

October 14

• David Bowie releases Heroes (1977) — celebrate the anniversary and talk about the Berlin Trilogy / Brian Eno / Robert Fripp contributions. Great deep-dive topic. (This Day In Music)
• Jackson 5 make a major U.S. TV debut (Hollywood Palace, 1968) — cross-genre TV moment you can frame as “how TV gave artists a break.” (This Day In Music)
• Notable birthdays: Cliff Richard, Justin Hayward (The Moody Blues), Colin Hodgkinson (Whitesnake) — good for brief artist bios / music clips. (This Day In Music)

(Full October 14 page.) (This Day In Music)

October 15

• Elton John hits UK No.1 again with “Cold Heart (Pnau remix)” (2021) — modern rock/pop cross-over note you can use to compare classic vs. modern chart moves. (This Day In Music)
• Use the day to highlight producers / session players born on this day (see page) — useful for quick production-tech talk segments. (This Day In Music)

(Full October 15 page for more birthdays and events.) (This Day In Music)

October 16

• Patsy Cline releases “Crazy” (1961) — while country-leaning, this song’s crossover and songwriting story (Willie Nelson) are useful when discussing songwriting craft in classic rock playlists. (This Day In Music)
• (Check the page for additional anniversaries, births & chart moments you can use for short segments.) (This Day In Music)

(Full October 16 page.) (This Day In Music)

October 17

• Gord Downie (The Tragically Hip) dies (2017) — an important note for Canadian rock fans and a great opportunity to play a Tragically Hip clip and talk about national icons. (This Day In Music)
• The Bee Gees score a UK No.1 with “You Win Again” (anniversary items on the page) — interesting for conversations about artists who span decades. (This Day In Music)
• Birthdays to drop in: Ziggy Marley, Eminem (good for modern rock comparisons / contrasts). (This Day In Music)

(Full October 17 page.) (This Day In Music)

October 18

• Traveling Wilburys release Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 (1988) — supergroup moment: Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty — great fodder for “supergroup” stories and the relaxed, star-studded recording vibe. (Ultimate Classic Rock)
• The Jimi Hendrix Experience make their live debut in Paris (supporting Johnny Hallyday) — 1966 — excellent for “on the road” stories and Hendrix’s early rise. (SoundOD)
• Guns N’ Roses opening chaos while opening for The Rolling Stones (Oct 18, 1989) — juicy road/riot tour story to tell on air. (Ultimate Classic Rock)
• The Bee Gees top the UK chart with “Massachusetts” (1967) — a nice chart-history anecdote. (This Day In Music)
• Notable birthdays (classic-rock staples): Chuck Berry (1926), Gary Richrath (REO Speedwagon, 1949). (Classics Du Jour)

(Full October 18 page.) (This Day In Music)

How I recommend using this on your show

• Short segments (30–90 seconds each): Pick 2–3 items per show day — e.g., an album anniversary (Bowie Heroes), a road story (Guns N’ Roses / Stones), and a birthday (Sammy Hagar or Paul Simon).
• Deeper segment (3–6 minutes): The Traveling Wilburys release or Dylan’s Nobel win makes a great longer story with audio clips. (Ultimate Classic Rock)

“Hidden gems” idea: I deliberately included touring/road incidents (Hendrix debut; GNR/Rolling Stones) and producer/recording milestones so you don’t just read chart dates — that helps avoid overlooking obvious but interesting items. (SoundOD)

On this week's  Podcast week break down the exciting news about the RUSH tribute to Neil Peart tour. We also break down what Geddy and Alex have been up to since RUSH's last tour. Also... who is Anika Nilles and why we care!

Geddy Lee (since 2020)

Year / Period

Activities / Projects

Notes / Significance

2020

After Neil Peart's death (Jan 2020), Geddy largely withdrew from public activity for a time. — Grieving, etc.

As expected; little creative output immediately after.

2021-2022

Began working on his memoir, My Effin’ Life. (Rush Is A Band)

It’s both personal history + reflections on Rush, Neil, family, etc.

 

Released two previously unreleased solo demos (“Gone” and “I Am…You Are”) from the sessions for his 2000 solo album My Favourite Headache. (Revolver)

These tracks, dubbed The Lost Demos, show him revisiting earlier creative work, giving fans something new but tied to old material.

2023

Published My Effin' Life (memoir) on Nov 14, 2023. (Rush Is A Band)

A major piece: book release + audiobook, with Geddy reading it himself in many parts. (Rush Is A Band)

 

Embarked on My Effin’ Life – In Conversation tour: spoken-word/book-reading / interview style shows. UK dates in December 2023, then North America. (Rush Is A Band)

These events are personal, reflective; bringing fans into his life, memories, creative process. Also mixing in musical references.

 

Released The Lost Demos also in vinyl form: Record Store Day 2025 released a 12" of those two tracks (“Gone” / “I Am…You Are”). (Record Store Day)

Adds collectible / archival interest; gives physical format to the demos.

 

Charted “Gone” in UK; first time Geddy had a charting solo single in UK in over 25 years. (Forbes)

Signals there is still strong fan interest in his solo work, even decades after his major Rush output.

2024-2025

More public appearances via his book tour, special shows (e.g. in Quebec City in summer 2024) tied to My Effin’ Life content. (Rush Is A Band)

Keeps momentum of the memoir alive; connecting with fans live in non-Rush format.

 

Participated in (or was featured in) a docuseries Are Bass Players Human Too? (Paramount+). (ABC Digital Syndication)

A project more about musical craft / community, not Rush per se, but connects to his identity as a bassist.

Alex Lifeson (since 2020)

Year / Period

Activities / Projects

Notes / Significance

2020-2021

After Peart’s death and the end of Rush, Lifeson started releasing new solo/instrumental material. In mid-2021 he released instrumental tracks “Kabul Blues” and “Spy House” (among others) on his website. (Louder)

These seem exploratory; not part of a full album at first — experimenting, keeping creative muscles alive.

 

Also launched a new band/project, Envy of None, with Andy Curran, Maiah Wynne, Alfio Annibalini. (Wikipedia)

This is probably the major creative outlet post-Rush: new compositions, new band identity. It diverges stylistically from classic Rush in many ways.

2022

Envy of None released its debut studio album (titled Envy of None) on April 8, 2022. (Wikipedia)

Critical response generally positive; showed Lifeson still creatively engaged.

2023

Envy of None released an EP That Was Then, This Is Now (remixes + some new material) in mid-2023. (Wikipedia)

Keeps the project active. Also indicates interest in reinterpreting earlier material / presenting remixed versions.

2024-2025

The group released a second full album Stygian Wavz (styled stij(ē)ən wāvz) in March 2025. (Wikipedia)

Demonstrates momentum; the project is more than just a side experiment. Guitar work remains prominent but more integrated with ambient /experimental styles.

 

Lifeson and Geddy Lee have been getting together to play Rush songs again informally; jamming once a week at Geddy’s place. (Loudwire)

While this was modest / private, it's a sign that the old chemistry is still there, that the material still matters to them, perhaps a precursor to larger moves.

 

Lifeson has given interviews reflecting on legacy, Rush reissues (deluxe editions), the 50-year retrospective boxed set Rush 50. (Forbes)

He and Geddy haven’t been deeply involved in all reissue production, but they’ve allowed/endorsed archival work; Rush 50 is a big legacy-project.

Recent Big News & Turning Points

• As of October 2025, major announcement: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson plan to tour again in 2026 — the “Fifty Something Tour” — their first time performing together since Peart’s death. (AP News)
• They introduced a replacement drummer, Anika Nilles, for the tour. (AP News)
• There’s also the release of Rush 50, a new boxed retrospective / anthology that covers the entire Rush career, including live tracks, unreleased or remastered material. (Forbes)

Themes / Observations (for Podcast Discussion)

• Legacy + Mourning: Both have been dealing with Neil Peart’s absence, and with the legacy of Rush. Geddy’s memoir is very much part of that; Lifeson’s tributes via instrumental work or paying homage in song (e.g. Western Sunset by Envy of None is specifically a tribute). (Wikipedia)
• Re-engagement with Fans: Through memoirs, intimate talks, releasing “lost demos,” revisiting material, occasional appearances. They seem cautious but also increasingly open.
• New Work vs. Archival Work: For Geddy it’s more archival / memoir / revisiting past demos; for Lifeson, more new composition with Envy of None + experimentation.
• Physical / Live vs. Studio / Private: Geddy did spoken-word / conversation tours; Lifeson less in a touring mode (at least initially) but more active in producing. The jamming together suggests live instinct remains.
• The Big Turning Point: The decision to do the “Fifty Something Tour” in 2026 marks a shift from “maybe we never will do big shows again” toward “yes, we want to celebrate this music live.” Might be the culmination of their gradual reawakening.

Here are several quotes / reflections from Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson about Neil Peart’s illness, death, and the aftermath — which could give your podcast some emotional depth and insight into how they’ve processed loss over time.

Quotes / Reflections by Geddy Lee

1. On how difficult it was to write about Neil’s final months “[Peart] didn’t want anyone to know [about his illness]. He wanted to keep it in the house. … What his family had to live through was really difficult, so it was a lot of back-and-forth. … In that state, it’s very hard to function normally, because you can’t talk to anybody about it … people hear rumblings and they bring things up to you, and you deflect it. And so that feels, on one hand, it feels dishonest, but on the other hand you’re being loyal to your friend.” (BLABBERMOUTH.NET) He also recalled a poignant moment sitting with Neil on his balcony, watching birds, talking about songs, and Neil expressing pride in what they’d done together: “We were sitting on his balcony … having a smoke … talking about what a great moment it was … But he went on to talk about these songs … he thought it was very important for me to know that … our life as a rhythm section together was important to him.” (BLABBERMOUTH.NET)
2. On receiving unsolicited messages from drummers after Neil’s passing “Oh, yeah, I heard from all kinds [of people]. … My little black book got filled up really quickly.” “I was, like, ‘Whoa, that’s just so inappropriate right now. Dude, wait two months. At least two months, if ever.’” (Ultimate Classic Rock) This (unwanted) attention underscores how many people immediately viewed the idea of “replacing” Neil — not yet fully appreciating the emotional gravity of what had happened.
3. On remembering Neil on anniversaries, cherishing the good times On the anniversary of Neil’s death, Geddy posted a photo of himself and Neil strutting a red carpet, with a caption: “Remembering the good times like this one today.” (106.7 WLLZ)
4. Official statement / public message after Neil’s passing Along with Lifeson, Geddy released a statement shortly after Neil died: “It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news … our friend, soul brother and band mate of over 45 years … We ask that friends, fans, and media alike understand respect the family’s need for privacy … Rest in peace brother.” (Metal Injection)
5. Thanking fans for support / acknowledging grief In the days after Neil’s passing, Geddy (on behalf of the band with Alex) expressed gratitude: “Our most heartfelt thanks go out to family, friends, musicians, writers and fans from around the globe for the incredible outpouring of love and respect for Neil since his passing. These touching tributes help to lessen the pain … and remind us all to celebrate his remarkable life…” (NME)

Quotes / Reflections by Alex Lifeson

1. On struggling to find motivation / play guitar after Neil’s death “It’s been difficult. After Neil passed in January, I’ve played very little guitar. I just don’t feel inspired and motivated.” “Every time I pick up a guitar, I just aimlessly mess around with it and put it down after 10 minutes … I know it’ll come back.” (Rock Cellar Magazine) This echoes a similar creative lull he experienced during earlier periods of grief in Rush’s history.
2. On having to keep Neil’s illness secret, and the tension of managing privacy “Neil asked us not to discuss it with anyone. He just wanted to be in control of it. … The last thing in the world he would want is people sitting on his sidewalk … that was a great fear of his.” “It was difficult to lie to people or to sidestep or deflect somehow. It was really difficult.” (ultimatemetal.com)
3. On the song he wrote for Neil — “Western Sunset” In a recent interview, Lifeson described the emotional, peaceful moment that inspired the song: “It was such a serene, peaceful moment at a time when we were dealing with something that was very painful and difficult.” “I was thinking about a western sunset … watching the sun set … I wanted to try to re-create the serenity, calmness and peace that I felt in that moment.” (GuitarPlayer) The song is thus both tribute and personal catharsis.

On messages from drummers wanting to replace Neil In a Reddit-quoted remark (presumably attributed to Lifeson): “I don’t know what some of these people were thinking, that we were just gonna replace somebody that we played with for 40 years who wrote all the lyrics for our music?” (Reddit) It reflects frustration at how some outsiders underestimated how deeply Neil’s role was woven into Rush’s identity.