CHAPTER 57 - Ace Frehley extra-KISS

57.01. Eugene (Mumbo Mix)

While not technically a demo, “Eugene” would be Ace Frehley’s first official work outside of KISS. Written with “Crazy” Joe Renda in March 1979, the song would be recorded with Ace co-producing and playing syndrum. The bassist on the recording would be none other than John Regan. Childhood friend of Ace’s, Rob Sabino would also appear on the full album – he would later have a stint as the keyboardist for Frehley’s Comet. Contrary to popular belief, the song is not about Gene Simmons. What Ace’s contribution to the songwriting was is unclear, since Joe Renda had originally written the piece on his own in March 1979 according to copyright documentation. This song was first issued on an independent 1980 12” single (Mumbo CJ1183) with “Stranded In The Jungle” and “Little Puffies” on the B-side. The mix on this single would be slightly different than the later PolyGram album version.

57.02. Eugene (PolyGram Mix)

The Casasblanca LP version of the song runs 4.00. This would be the only album that the Crazy Joe & The Variable Speed Band would release. However, Crazy Joe would try and follow up the song with a “Eugene Goes To School” single.

57.03. Eugene (Remix)

This extended remix, which was released as a promotional 12” single, simply makes the introduction to the song longer while transforming the “feel” of the song into a more extended disco style. The edit work results in a 5.17 track, some 1.16 longer than the original album version.