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"Cold Gin"
Song by Kiss
from the album Kiss
ReleasedFebruary 18, 1974
RecordedNovember 1973
Genre
Length4:22
LabelCasablanca
SongwriterAce Frehley
ProducersKenny Kerner, Richie Wise
Kiss track listing
10 tracks
  1. "Strutter"
  2. "Nothin' to Lose"
  3. "Firehouse"
  4. "Cold Gin"
  5. "Let Me Know"
  6. "Kissin' Time"
  7. "Deuce"
  8. "Love Theme from KISS"
  9. "100,000 Years"
  10. "Black Diamond"

"Cold Gin" is a song by American rock band Kiss, written by the band's lead guitarist Ace Frehley and released in 1974 on their eponymous debut album. The song has appeared on many Kiss live and compilation albums. Live versions of the song were often extended for about two minutes due to Frehley's soloing.

Guitar World listed "Cold Gin" as No. 7 on their list of greatest drinking songs.[2] The track is No. 14 on Liquor.com's list of top 15 drinking songs[3] and ranked No. 32 of the 50 best drinking songs on TimeOut.com.[4]

Background

[edit]

"Cold Gin" is about a person suffering from poverty, loneliness, and alcoholism. However, the song's meaning is widely misinterpreted to be about a struggling couple who uses alcohol to cope with a toxic relationship or about how cold gin affects the male sex drive, but thorough lyrical analysis shows this is not the case.[5] Ace Frehley confirms what the song is about in his 2011 book No Regrets.[6]

Frehley said he wrote the song while he was on the subway.[7] According to Frehley, the riff for the song was inspired by the song "Fire and Water" by English rock group Free.[8] Gene Simmons actually wrote the bridge, according to Frehley, though Simmons turned down a writing credit: "Back then, it was definitely more of a brotherhood. It didn't matter who got credit, the only thing that mattered was if the song was good".[9] The song was recorded in 1973 and was one of two songs from the band's debut album written by Frehley, the other being the album's instrumental, "Love Theme from KISS", which was written by the whole band. Although "Cold Gin" was never released as a single, it has remained a concert staple during the years.

The studio version differs significantly from the demo version. In the demo, after the solo, Paul Stanley shouts "Whoa! Alright! C'mon!", but in the studio version, he shouts "Whoa yeah!". The second guitar solo was also cut and the outro was shortened.[10][11]

As Frehley was insecure about his singing ability, Simmons, despite being a teetotaler, sang the song on the original studio version and in most live versions, although Frehley sang parts of the song during the Alive/Worldwide Tour;[12] Frehley also sang the lead when performing "Cold Gin" with his solo band.

Live performances

[edit]

"Cold Gin" soon became a fan favorite, with the band performing it on subsequent tours (the song was also featured on Kiss's breakthrough album Alive!) but it would be dropped for the Love Gun Tour and the band did not play the song for three years, until the Unmasked Tour. The band once again dropped the song from the setlist for the Aerosmith/Kiss co-headlined Rocksimus Maximus Tour/World Domination Tour but returned it for the Kiss Alive/35 World Tour.

Frehley performed "Cold Gin" during his solo tours, along with other Kiss songs.

Appearances

[edit]

"Cold Gin" appeared on the following Kiss releases:

Covers

[edit]

Personnel

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
"Cold Gin" is a by the American rock band , written by lead guitarist and released on February 18, 1974, as the fourth track on the band's self-titled debut album. The , which features lead vocals by bassist and contributions from all four original members, centers on themes of isolation and warmth found in alcohol during a frigid urban night. Frehley composed "Cold Gin" during subway rides in , drawing inspiration from the harsh winter cold and his experiences in chilly rehearsal spaces; he developed both the lyrics and melody mentally before jotting them down in a . Gene Simmons enhanced the track by adding a signature guitar section, and despite Frehley's reluctance to vocal due to with microphones, Simmons delivered the performance with his characteristic intensity. The song's raw energy and relatable narrative helped establish Kiss's early sound, blending heavy riffs with elements. Since its release, "Cold Gin" has remained a fixture in Kiss's live performances, often closing early shows and symbolizing the band's gritty New York roots. It has been covered by artists including and was notably played at the 2004 funeral of guitarist Abbott, a devoted Kiss fan. In 2021, Kiss capitalized on the song's legacy by launching KISS Cold Gin, a premium Swedish-distilled spirit infused with , , and herbs, packaged in a bottle featuring illustrations of the band members. This product, at 40% ABV and quintuple-distilled for smooth flavor, serves as a to the track and the band's hometown heritage.

Background and Writing

Inspiration and Development

In the early 1970s, , the lead guitarist of the newly formed rock band , was grappling with financial hardship and isolation in , which profoundly shaped the creation of "Cold Gin." Living in , Frehley supported himself through menial jobs, including deliveries for a local , where he frequently brought a bottle of something cheap—not usually —to keep warm during chilly band rehearsals in unheated spaces. These experiences highlighted the harsh realities of urban struggle, fostering a sense of loneliness during his daily commutes on the city's subway system. The song's genesis occurred during one such subway ride in early , as Frehley traveled to a Kiss . Without a guitar in hand, he conceived the initial melody and riff entirely in his mind, scribbling and ideas into a spiral notebook he carried. Frehley later recalled the moment vividly: "I wrote 'Cold Gin' in a New York subway, in my head, both and music. I had a spiral notebook with me." This spontaneous composition captured his immediate surroundings and emotional state, transforming personal desolation into a raw musical expression. Thematically, "Cold Gin" rooted itself in and as desperate remedies for and the uncertainties of Kiss's nascent career, reflecting Frehley's own battles with substance use amid the band's relentless grind. As Frehley detailed in his 2011 , the song portrayed a down-and-out individual finding fleeting comfort in drink, mirroring the he observed and experienced in pre-fame New York. Developed amid Kiss's initial club gigs throughout 1973, the track was refined collaboratively, with bassist contributing the bridge section to enhance its structure. By March 13, 1973, "Cold Gin" was already part of the band's first demo recording at , underscoring its rapid evolution from personal anecdote to group staple.

Songwriting Credits

"Cold Gin" is officially credited as a sole composition by , with the song published by Kiss Songs Inc. However, provided uncredited contributions to the song's bridge, including both lyrics and melody; in a 2025 interview, Frehley acknowledged this, stating, "Gene never took credit for it, but he wrote the bridge for Cold Gin," and noted that Simmons declined royalties due to the strong sense of brotherhood within at the time. Producer Richie Wise offered minor input on the song's arrangement during studio sessions, focusing on structural refinements while the band remained open to his suggestions, though he received no writing credit.

Recording and Production

Studio Sessions

The recording of "Cold Gin" occurred at in from October to November 1973, as part of the sessions for Kiss's self-titled debut album. This track was among the first completed during the process, alongside early cuts like "Deuce," "," "Watchin' You," and "Black Diamond." Producers Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise adopted an approach centered on preserving the band's raw energy and live-band feel, opting to record the bulk of the material live in the studio to minimize artificial polish. Kerner later described the sessions as "pretty much recorded live," emphasizing the goal of translating Kiss's high-octane stage presence directly to tape. Key production techniques involved analog tape machines for limited overdubs, such as doubling lead guitarist Ace Frehley's solos to enhance texture without overcomplicating the sound. Frehley's distinctive guitar tone was captured using a routed through Marshall amplifiers, contributing to the song's gritty, hard-rock edge.

Personnel

The of "Cold Gin" featured the core lineup of , each contributing their standard instruments along with vocal duties as specified for the track.
  • Ace Frehley (lead guitar): Performed all lead guitar parts, including the iconic opening riff and guitar solo, which he composed during the song's development.
  • Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar, backing vocals): Provided rhythm guitar throughout and contributed backing vocals to support the lead.
  • Gene Simmons (bass guitar, lead vocals): Delivered the lead vocals, as Frehley was initially reluctant to sing due to confidence issues, and played bass lines that anchored the track's hard rock foundation.
  • Peter Criss (drums): Handled all drumming duties, including the steady rock beat, with no vocal contributions on this recording.
The production was overseen by Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise, who managed the sessions at but received no performance credits. These roles are confirmed in the album's and subsequent band interviews.

Composition

Lyrics

"Cold Gin" follows a straightforward verse-pre-chorus-chorus structure, with two verses, a repeating pre-chorus and chorus, a bridge, and an extended outro that reinforces the central motif. The explore themes of isolation, financial hardship, and the allure of alcohol as a fleeting escape from despair, portraying a navigating urban and emotional numbness. The opens with vivid of personal struggle in the first verse: "My heater's broke, and I'm so tired / I need some fuel to build a fire / The girl next door, her lights are out, yeah / The landlord's gone, I'm down and out," evoking a sense of abandonment and desolation in a rundown living situation. This sets a tone of exacerbated by economic woes. The pre-chorus introduces the "It's cold gin time again / You know it'll always win," positioning not just as a but as an inevitable, companion in hardship. The chorus amplifies this dependency: "Cold gin time again / You know it's the only thing / That keeps us together," suggesting alcohol's role in maintaining a fragile emotional or social cohesion amid isolation. The second verse deepens the with lines like "It's a dark, lonely road / That leads me to my home / And my memories have just been sold / My blood runs cold," symbolizing a journey through forgotten pasts and chilling detachment, where "My blood runs cold, my memory has just been sold" captures the erosion of identity under duress. The bridge, added by , shifts to a more tone: "Sometimes I don't know the way I feel / I need some , pyromania," hinting at inner confusion and a craving for passion or ignition beyond mere survival. These elements culminate in the outro's repetitive chants of "Cold gin time again," underscoring the cyclical nature of reliance on the beverage. Interpretations of the lyrics often highlight their autobiographical roots for , who penned the song during his own struggles with alcohol in the early 1970s, reflecting his experiences of urban hardship in . Frehley has described writing it on a subway ride, capturing a narrative of a man turning to for warmth and solace in tough times, which mirrored his personal battles with substance use. More broadly, the song serves as a commentary on rock 'n' roll excess, illustrating how musicians and fans alike might seek temporary relief in alcohol amid the industry's grueling demands and emotional tolls.

Full Lyrics with Annotations

Intro
Woo
Alright
(Brief exclamations that build anticipation, setting a raw, energetic tone for the ensuing vulnerability.)
Verse 1
My heater's broke, and
I need some fuel
The , her lights are out, yeah
The 's gone, I'm down and out
(Establishes isolation and : broken heater symbolizes literal and figurative coldness, while absent neighbors and landlord emphasize abandonment.)
Pre-Chorus
It's cold time again
You know it'll always win
(Introduces as a reliable, almost personified escape that triumphs over despair.)
Chorus
Cold time again
You know it's the only thing
That keeps us together
(Highlights dependency: "us" implies a shared frailty, with as the binding force in .)
Verse 2
It's a dark, lonely road
That leads me to my home
And my memories have just been sold
My blood runs cold
(Progresses to psychological depth: the "sold" memories evoke loss of , intensifying the theme of emotional freezing.)
Pre-Chorus
It's cold gin time again
You know it'll always win
(Repetition reinforces the inescapable cycle.)
Chorus
Cold gin time again
You know it's the only thing
That keeps us together
(Reiterates the chorus for emphasis, building thematic momentum.)
Bridge
Sometimes I don't know the way I feel
I need some soul,
(Shifts to and desire for inner , contrasting the external with a for vitality.) (Guitar solo follows, allowing reflection on the lyrical tension.)
Chorus
gin time again
You know it'll always win
gin time again
You know it's the only thing
That keeps us together
(Extended chorus variation, heightening the song's obsessive quality.)
Bridge (repeated)
Sometimes I don't know the way I feel
I need some soul,
(Reprise of bridge, underscoring unresolved turmoil.) (Second guitar solo intensifies the emotional peak.)
Outro
Cold gin time again
Cold gin time again
Cold gin time again
Cold gin time again
Cold gin time again
(Fading repetitions mimic the numbing, perpetual pull of , closing the thematic loop on escape's transience.)

Music and Arrangement

"Cold Gin" is a song infused with elements through its guitar riffing. The track is composed in and maintains a of approximately 118 beats per minute (BPM), contributing to its driving rhythm. The song follows a structure, beginning with an introductory guitar that sets the tone, followed by verses and a repeating chorus. A bridge features an ascending middle section, leading into a before fading out in the outro. Instrumentation centers on Ace Frehley's prominent opening riff, built around power chords that establish the song's gritty foundation. Gene provides a supportive bass line that locks in with the riff, while Peter delivers dynamic fills that add texture and propulsion throughout. The arrangement captures a raw, garage-rock energy, relying solely on guitars, bass, , and vocals without synthesizers to emphasize the band's guitar-driven sound.

Release

Album Debut

"Cold Gin" was released on February 18, 1974, as part of 's self-titled debut album, issued by . The album marked the band's first studio effort, capturing their raw sound shortly after forming in 1973. On the original vinyl pressing, "Cold Gin" appears as the fourth track on side one, following "," "Nothin' to Lose," and "," with a runtime of 4:22. Produced by Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise at in during November 1973 sessions, the track stands out as a highlight of the album, showcasing guitarist Ace Frehley's songwriting and the band's energetic style. The original album packaging featured a gatefold sleeve with the band's striking makeup and logo on the cover, while the liner notes included production credits and track listings that prominently mention "Cold Gin."

Commercial Performance

"Cold Gin" was never released as a single, remaining an album track on Kiss's self-titled debut, which peaked at No. 87 on the Billboard 200 in 1974. The album received RIAA Gold certification on June 8, 1977, for sales exceeding 500,000 units in the United States, reflecting its gradual commercial buildup through touring and fan support. Over the decades, the album has sustained strong catalog sales, bolstered by the enduring appeal of tracks like "Cold Gin." Internationally, the debut album, including "Cold Gin," was issued in markets such as and starting in , achieving modest sales and varying chart positions that helped establish Kiss's early global presence without major breakthroughs.

Reception

Critical Response

Upon its release in , "Cold Gin" earned praise from critics for its raw energy and direct drive, even as the Kiss debut album elicited mixed responses overall. Rolling Stone's Gordon Fletcher highlighted the track as one of three standout songs on the record, exemplifying the band's effective formula of a solid riff, driving beat, strong vocal delivery, and . In retrospective assessments, "Cold Gin" has been widely regarded as a highlight of Kiss's self-titled . AllMusic's characterizes it as an "early sleazy " that encapsulates the young band's gritty struggles, bolstered by a memorable riff and ' raw, attitude-filled vocal performance.

Accolades

"Cold Gin" has received several notable rankings and recognitions from music publications and fan polls. In 2016, ranked the song No. 7 on its list of the "Top 10 Drinking Songs of All Time," praising its raw energy and thematic focus on alcohol as a staple of rock 'n' roll anthems. Additionally, the song benefits from the commercial success of its parent album, (1974), which was certified by the RIAA on June 8, 1977, for sales exceeding 500,000 units in the United States—marking an early milestone for the band's debut effort.

Live Performances

History in Kiss Concerts

"Cold Gin" debuted in Kiss's live repertoire during their early club performances in 1973, with footage from a show at The Coventry in , New York, capturing partial renditions of the song alongside "Deuce." The track quickly became a fixture in their sets as they transitioned to larger venues in 1974, serving as a showcase for Ace Frehley's guitar work. It remained a staple through the (1976) and the earlier legs of the , where it often featured extended solos that highlighted the band's high-energy stage dynamics. The song's prominence peaked with its inclusion on the live album Alive! (1975), recorded during the Dressed to Kill Tour, where the performance from or shows incorporated a lengthy by Frehley, emphasizing the raw, improvisational style of Kiss's mid-1970s concerts. By the in 1977, "Cold Gin" was still performed regularly, opening segments after "" in many shows. However, it was dropped from the setlist during the 1978 portion of the due to evolving production demands and setlist rotations favoring newer material like "" and "I Stole Your Love." "Cold Gin" returned to Kiss's live shows for the in 1980, appearing early in the set after "" and featuring shared vocals between and for the first time since 1978. This reinstatement helped bridge the band's classic catalog with tracks from the Unmasked album, and it was played in all 112 dates of the tour, including international stops in and . During the non-makeup era from 1983 to 1996, "Cold Gin" was performed selectively across tours, appearing in about 20-30% of shows in some years but gaining traction in others, such as the 95 performances during the Tour (1984–1985) and 121 during the (1989–1990). Its inclusion varied with setlist experiments, often positioned as an early rocker to energize crowds before solos. The song reemerged as a highlight in the reunion tours from 1996 to 2001, restoring the original lineup and makeup, where it was played over 300 times total, typically third in the set after "Deuce" and "King of the Night Time World." These performances recaptured the energy, with Frehley delivering signature riffs amid . "Cold Gin" was a consistent element in the End of the Road World Tour (2019–2023), Kiss's farewell outing, performed in nearly all 250 dates to honor their catalog. Its final band rendition occurred on December 2, 2023, at in , closing a chapter that began in local clubs five decades earlier.

Ace Frehley's Solo Performances

"Cold Gin" has been a staple in Ace Frehley's solo concerts since the release of his self-titled debut solo album in 1978, which featured a studio version of the track. Live renditions became prominent in his early post-Kiss performances and have continued in subsequent solo work. As of November 2025, "Cold Gin" has been performed approximately 363 times in his documented solo shows, representing about 60% of his total performances and making it one of the most frequently played songs in his repertoire. Notable renditions highlight the song's prominence in Frehley's later career. On November 2, 2024, Frehley delivered an energetic performance of "Cold Gin" at Live in , , as part of his U.S. tour promoting his album 10,000 Volts, with the track serving as a high-energy closer before his segment. Earlier in 2025, on April 11, he performed it at Newton Performing Arts Center in , where the audience's enthusiastic response emphasized its timeless appeal in intimate settings. Frehley frequently adapts "Cold Gin" in his solo shows by extending the arrangement with extended guitar solos, allowing him to infuse fresh improvisations that reflect his technical prowess and personal style. This approach was particularly evident during his 2024 tour dates, where the song was integrated into sets drawing from his Origins Vol. 1 album, on which he re-recorded the track in 2016. These modifications keep the performance dynamic and tailored to contemporary audiences while honoring the original Kiss composition. Over the decades, Frehley's backing band has varied, contributing to diverse interpretations of "Cold Gin." In recent years, his lineup has typically included guitarists such as Ryan Cook and Jeremy Asbrock alongside drummer , enabling layered harmonies and dual-guitar interplay that enhance the song's rock foundation. Earlier solo eras saw different configurations, but the core emphasis remains on Frehley's lead vocals and guitar work, ensuring the track's raw energy persists across lineups.

Cover Versions

Notable Covers

L.A. Guns included a cover of "Cold Gin" on the 1997 tribute compilation Return of the Comet: A Tribute to , where the band delivered a gritty interpretation emphasizing their signature sleaze-infused sound. The track was reissued on ' 1998 EP Wasted, featuring raw guitar riffs and energetic vocals that paid homage to the original while adapting it to the group's late-1990s aesthetic. Pantera performed a live cover of "Cold Gin" during their 1992 tour, often collaborating with and original composer onstage, infusing the track with their aggressive metal style. The song held personal significance for Pantera guitarist , a fan, and was played at his on December 10, 2004, following his . , the song's composer, re-recorded "Cold Gin" as a studio track for his 2016 album , with guitarist contributing lead guitar. This version features polished production and extended solos, updating the 1974 classic for contemporary listeners while retaining its boogie-rock drive.

Homages and Tributes

Following the conclusion of KISS's End of the Road World Tour in December 2023, numerous fan and amateur covers of "Cold Gin" emerged on YouTube, with several gaining significant traction as tributes to the band's catalog. For instance, a guitar cover dedicated to Ace Frehley, posted in October 2025 shortly after his passing, highlighted the song's enduring appeal among enthusiasts recreating its raw energy. These uploads often emulated the original's gritty rock structure, contributing to a wave of informal online tributes that kept the track relevant in fan communities. Kiss tribute bands have incorporated "Cold Gin" into their live sets at various festivals and events, preserving the song's high-energy spectacle through pyrotechnics and costumes. The band Cold Gin, one of the earliest dedicated KISS tributes formed in the late 1980s, routinely features the track in performances, including a notable appearance alongside Tommy Thayer in San Diego on August 22, 1992. Other groups, such as Kiss Forever, delivered a spirited cover at The Magic Room in Norwood, Massachusetts, on September 2, 2023, emphasizing the song's thematic nod to indulgence. These ongoing festival renditions, extending into 2025, reflect the track's status as a staple in tribute circuits, often at KISS-themed gatherings like the annual Kiss Kruise. In a poignant personal homage, Ronald Hofer shared a video on in October 2025, performing "Cold Gin" in the style of its rendition from KISS's 1975 live album Alive!, explicitly dedicating it to on the day of his death. Hofer's acoustic-electric arrangement captured the song's bluesy riffing and vocal swagger, resonating with fans mourning the who penned the original. This informal tribute exemplified how "Cold Gin" inspires individual artists to evoke KISS's early raw sound outside formal stages.

Legacy

Cultural Impact

"Cold Gin" has achieved iconic status within Kiss's catalog as a anthem and a staple in rock lore, often celebrated for its raw depiction of seeking solace in alcohol amid urban hardship. Written by guitarist for the band's 1974 self-titled debut album, the track's gritty riff and themes of excess resonated with fans, establishing it as a live staple that embodies the band's early bar-band energy. Frehley, the song's writer, died on October 16, 2025, from head injuries sustained in a fall. The song's cultural footprint extends to media references that highlight Kiss's theatrical rock persona, including performances at major venues that blend music with spectacle. For instance, during the band's opener at in on October 31, 1998, "Cold Gin" was performed to an enthusiastic crowd, showcasing its role in high-profile events at sports arenas where fans engage in communal sing-alongs. This integration into large-scale gatherings underscores the track's enduring appeal in amplifying rock's escapist ethos. In Kiss fan culture, "Cold Gin" fosters interactive traditions, such as audience sing-alongs that create a sense of camaraderie during concerts, reinforcing the band's connection with its devoted following known as the . These moments often evoke the song's themes of relief and rebellion, turning performances into participatory rituals that strengthen community bonds among enthusiasts. Beyond fandom, "Cold Gin" has contributed to broader tropes of excess and , influencing perceptions of the genre's as one of unbridled indulgence. Cultural analyses, including discussions of Kiss's embodiment of the through material and sensory pursuits, cite the song as emblematic of this narrative, linking its lyrics to the band's larger-than-life image in rock history. It has also appeared in rankings of notable drinking anthems, affirming its place in rock's boozy canon.

Branded Products and Media Appearances

In 2021, launched an official branded spirit named , a New York-style distilled five times with notes of , peel, and spices, directly inspired by the song's and the band's hometown roots. The song has appeared on several compilation albums, including the live version on the 2005 double-disc collection , which spans the band's early years from 1974 to 1982. It is also featured on the 2008 four-disc set Ikons, specifically on the disc dedicated to , alongside other tracks he wrote or performed. Additionally, the original studio recording was remastered and reissued in 2014 as part of the 40th anniversary vinyl series of 's debut album, produced on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl for enhanced audio fidelity. "Cold Gin" was included on the soundtrack for the 1999 comedy film Detroit Rock City, which centers on fans heading to a KISS concert, with the track appearing as one of several band songs in the album. The song's theme also received a subtle nod in the 1999 video game KISS: Psycho Circus – The Nightmare Child, where in-game billboards advertise a fictional "Cold Gin" beverage.

References

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