Kiss

Kiss star Ace Frehley is keen to forge a successful solo career so he can hit back at the bandmates who "dragged his name through the mud." The guitarist quit the rock group in 1983 - citing artistic differences for the split - and his departure was marred by a series of disputes between him and his former bandmates.

Frehley rejoined Kiss in 1996 for their reunion tour but gave up his place again in 2001 to concentrate on his work outside the group.

The star is currently working on a new album, due for release later this year, and insists he is determined to make a success of his solo career.

He tells Blabbermouth.net, "I was all ready and set up to track a record when I was offered the Kiss reunion. I got back with Kiss and that kind of derailed me from 1996 to 2001 and it took me a while to get my wits back. The record to me is secondary to the fact that I needed to come back and let everybody know I'm alive and well. Some of my old band mates kind of dragged my name through the mud a little, so I figured that it was time for me to re-emerge and let everybody know I'm not dead."