“He was excited about doing shows. He was in such a good place, and he literally had an accident”: John 5 discusses the tragic loss of his friend Ace Frehley –and confirms he was set to feature on the Kiss icon’s next album

Left–John 5 performs at The Guild Theatre on December 06, 2024 in Menlo Park, California; Right–Ace Frehley performs in concert at Haute Spot Event Venue on July 13, 2023 in Cedar Park, Texas.

As Ace Frehley himself confirmed in one of his last Guitar World interviews, he was busy toiling away at the studio on what would have been his final studio album, Origins Vol. 3. – a covers album that, like its predecessors, would have featured a host of guitar stars.

Now, speaking to Guitar World, John 5 – who previously lent his chops to Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the series – has confirmed he was set to appear on the album.

“No one has asked me that yet, but yes, he did,” 5 replies, when asked by Guitar World whether he was due to appear on Volume 3.