Ace Frehley’s “New York Groove” Surges to Billboard Top 10 Posthumously

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for KISS, achieved a posthumous milestone as his 1978 solo track “New York Groove” climbed to No. 4 on the Rock Digital Song Sales chart. The song saw a sales surge of over 250% following the musician’s death on Oct. 16 at age 74, marking his highest solo placement in years.

Frehley died after complications from a fall in his home recording studio that caused a brain bleed. His condition worsened in the weeks prior to his passing. KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley honored him in a statement, calling him an “essential and irreplaceable rock soldier” whose legacy remains tied to the band’s history. Former KISS member Peter Criss also acknowledged Frehley’s influence on music and the KISS Army.

The renewed attention extended to Frehley’s work with KISS, as the 1979 single “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” reentered charts. The song, originally written by British band Hello in 1975, became a signature track for Frehley during his 1978 solo album release.