Ace Frehley discussed Justin Hawkins’ words about him during a recent interview with Ultimate Classic Rock.
The 2024 Monsters Of Rock Cruise caused a conflict between Hawkins and the former KISS guitarist. A video from Rock News Desk captured the Darkness frontman addressing the crowd about the incident. He criticized Frehley for delaying The Darkness’ set, saying:
“You’ll notice I wear a watch onstage. Some of you think… ‘He has to regard the time because he wants to get back and eat the prawn sandwiches in the dressing room.’ There’s a bit of truth in that. But I think the important thing about rock and roll is punctuality!”
Hawkins Addresses Frehley Onstage
He continued, calling out Frehley directly to the audience:
“Somebody overran, and thus we were late coming onstage. I apologize to all of you. I think some of their rider requirements are a little bit difficult to source in the middle of the f*cking Caribbean. One of those being wig adhesive! I’m talking about Ace Frehley. I don’t give a f*ck if you’re the biggest rock star in the world. You make the Darkness late; you are a c*nt.”
Resolution And Friendship
His comments caused a stir, but the Darkness completed their set. Frehley spoke about the incident in his latest chat, saying:
“He’s hysterical. He’s a really funny guy. He just says crazy stuff out of left field. Justin came over to me and apologized, and we shook hands. And we were just talking about my record and his stuff. We got to know each other a little. He’s a great guy.”
The musician added, expanding on his thoughts:
“Whatever he said [on the cruise] that might have come off as off-color, I just let that slide. Because I know deep in his heart, he loves the record. So I just said, ‘I want to be friends with this guy.’”
After the comments on stage, Frehley’s security started a meeting between Hawkins and Frehley at a coffee shop. They talked privately and then posted photos together on social media. It seemed like they were over the incident.