Ace Frehley’s 1975 Les Paul Sells for $512K
Ace Frehley’s 1975 Gibson Les Paul has sold for $512,000 at auction, marking one of the highest-profile sales of KISS-related instruments in recent years. The guitar, closely associated with Frehley’s classic-era work with the band, was included in Julien’s “Music Icons” sale held May 29 and May 30 at the Hard Rock Cafe Times Square in New York City.
BLABBERMOUTH.NET reported that the instrument had been expected to fetch between $400,000 and $600,000 and was described as the guitar Frehley used more than any other during his years with KISS, both onstage and in the studio.
Other Frehley items also exceeded estimates, including a Super Bowl XXXIII stage-played 1997 Gibson Signature Les Paul Custom that sold for $57,600, a stage-played 1996 KISS reunion tour light-show Sanchez Custom Gibson Les Paul Jr. that also brought $57,600, and a stage-worn “Destroyer” costume that sold for $51,200. A stage-worn jumpsuit tied to both Frehley and New York Dolls bassist Arthur Kane sold for $11,520, and a 1977 “Rock And Roll Over” tour jacket went for $8,960.
The latest sale arrives amid continued interest in Frehley memorabilia following a previous six-figure auction for one of his guitars, as collectors compete for items linked to the guitarist’s best-known era and the original KISS lineup.
The Julien’s event was promoted as a wide-ranging rock memorabilia auction featuring instruments, stage wear and personal items connected to major artists. The sale price for Frehley’s 1975 Les Paul underscores the long-term market value attached to historically important gear from the peak years of arena rock.
