Doug Aldrich Recalls Auditioning To Replace Kis... Direct

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

: According to Ultimate Guitar , Aldrich realized later that getting a gig is 50% playing and 50% being a "cool hang." He felt his nervousness and age made him an uncomfortable fit for a tour bus with experienced mega-stars. Doug Aldrich Recalls Auditioning to Replace Kis...

: Years later, when Simmons wanted Aldrich for the band House of Lords, Aldrich reminded him of the hang-up. Simmons remembered the incident, and Aldrich has since stated that he loves Simmons and appreciates his "super dry sense of humor". In 1982, guitarist Doug Aldrich auditioned to replace