Doug Aldrich Recalls Auditioning To Replace Kis... Apr 2026

Aldrich moved to Los Angeles immediately after high school and was playing at Gazzarri’s when Eric Carr’s girlfriend spotted him and recommended him to the band.

: Aldrich met Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley at the Record Plant. He recalls feeling "guilty" looking at them without their makeup, as their faces were still a secret to the public.

: Aldrich admitted his "maturity level was probably 10" and he had no experience managing adult responsibilities like paying bills or keeping a bank account open. Doug Aldrich Recalls Auditioning to Replace Kis...

In 1982, guitarist Doug Aldrich auditioned to replace Ace Frehley in KISS when he was just 18 years old. While he successfully navigated two auditions and impressed the band with his playing, he was ultimately rejected because he was deemed too young and lacked the "life skills" to hang out with international rock stars. The Audition Process

Doug Aldrich Recalls Auditioning to Replace Kiss' Ace Frehley Aldrich moved to Los Angeles immediately after high

: The band ultimately chose Vinnie Vincent, whom they felt had more experience and "more under his belt" at the time. The Infamous Phone Call

On the first day of his audition, Gene Simmons wrote his phone number down for Aldrich. Six months later, while KISS was on tour, Aldrich tried to use the number to get tickets for himself and his friends. : Aldrich admitted his "maturity level was probably

: Aldrich was invited to a second audition in a large hangar, playing through four Marshall stacks for the first time. He practiced classic tracks like "Detroit Rock City" and "Black Diamond" with the band. Reasons for Rejection