“I mean, you know how cool I am”

It might seem odd to use a song he’s not particularly known for, and didn’t write or sing, to salute original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. But Hooligan is a great example of Frehley as a team player and how his impeccable, instinctive and characterful guitar playing elevated any song he played on. The 1977 Peter Criss vehicle probably isn’t a song that rides high in anyone’s ranking of KISS’s greatest work but I’ve always had a big soft spot for it. Criss’ hollering is infectious, I love the old-timey rock ‘n’ roll vibe and I’m a sucker for Paul Stanley’s use of capos for rhythm guitar parts. But, best of all, Space Ace wrings out a memorable and effortlessly cool guitar solo that crackles with electricity. And his soaring guitar part over the song’s climatic chords is one of KISS’ most joyous and euphoric moments. Ace, who has sadly left the planet aged 74, inspired legions of people to pick up guitars (including me) but there will never be anyone quite like this beloved, otherworldly legend ever again.