Former FREHLEY'S COMET Bassist JOHN REGAN Dies At 71

April 7, 2023

Acclaimed rock bassist John Regan has died at the age of 71. No cause of death has been revealed.

Regan had performed with Tod Howarth, drummer Anton Fig of "Late Show With David Letterman" fame and original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley in the band FREHLEY'S COMET. His recording credits also include Peter Frampton, THE ROLLING STONES, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, David Lee Roth, Robin Trower, Billy Idol and many more.

According to the Poughkeepsie Journal, Regan met Frehley in the mid-1980s at a friend's recording studio in White Plains, New York. The two got together for a jam session, playing Jimi Hendrix and LED ZEPPELIN tunes, and that led to Regan's involvement with FREHLEY'S COMET. His tenure with that band lasted until about 1990.

Asked about Frehley, Regan told the Poughkeepsie Journal: "He's a kook, in a good sense. In a world full of copies, he's a one-off. He's an original."

And regarding the allure of KISS, the hard rockers known for outlandish costumes and makeup, Regan said: "It was almost like getting a rock band and a circus on the same night. It was an event ... It was a multi-sensory experience ... It was a total immersion in this spectacle that nobody else was doing."

In a 2016 interview with Songfacts, John stated about his approach to working with big-name artists: "I have been fortunate to have worked with artists that did not dictate on any level. Keeping in mind, that I have always approached my contribution to a recording or live performance as one of 'facilitator.' By that I mean it is always in the forefront of my mind to try and play my bass parts to best serve the song, singer and my fellow musicians. Peter [Frampton] in particular is a pleasure to work with in that regard. For the better part of 31 years, from 1979 through 2010, it was an honor to compose and perform his music."

Regarding his studio work with other artists, John said: "Spending time working in studio with the likes of Frampton, Billy Idol, Mick Jagger and David Bowie, THE ROLLING STONES, Michael Monroe and legendary producers such as Eddie Kramer and Nile Rodgers, just to name a few, has been nothing short of awe inspiring and profoundly enjoyable. Suffice to say, each project had moments that I was pinching myself, just to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

"One experience that became a high-water mark was getting the call from Nile Rodgers, through my dear friend Rob Sabino, to stop by and replace a bass part on the track that David Bowie and Mick Jagger had recorded for Live Aid: 'Dancing In The Street'. That song had long been favorite of mine, but when I arrived at the studio to find Mick Jagger greeting me, it was something I will never forget.

"My most vivid memory of that day was that it happened to be one of those rare occasions that the part that made the final recording was a first take for me, but as I was laying down the bass track I could see Mick dancing around the studio, just getting into the music as if he were onstage. Powerful moment in time for me, and it hit home how much Jagger was moved by the power of the song, and how sincere his love of music must be."

In recent years, Regan and Howarth had both performed with FOUR BY FATE. The seeds for that band were planted nearly 40 years ago, when Regan encountered Howarth while Tod was on tour performing with Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers CHEAP TRICK. Howarth and Regan were later joined in FOUR BY FATE by guitarist/songwriter Patrick James Gasperini (POUND, FLYWHEEL) and former SKID ROW drummer Rob Affuso.

Photo credit: Tracy Ketcher

We are sad to announce the passing of one of our Chance family, John Regan. John was an incredible musician, a rockstar,...

Posted by The Chance Theater on Friday, April 7, 2023

Another loss, and way too, too close.
Details when I can..

Posted by Tod Howarth on Friday, April 7, 2023

Hate to make this announcement but, I just received word my good friend John Regan passed away today. Can’t believe the...

Posted by Trent Noll on Friday, April 7, 2023

I learned the sad and sobering news that John Regan passed away this afternoon. He was one of the finest musicians in...

Posted by James Bass on Friday, April 7, 2023

To say I'm gutted is an understatement!
Just heard that John Regan has passed..Someone who I considered a friend and inspiration..deepest condolences to his family..very sad news indeed..RIP my friend..

Posted by Will Clayfield on Friday, April 7, 2023

We are DEVASTATED to say the least. John Regan had the most beautiful heart. He loved his fans and many of his closest...

Posted by Amy L. O'Grady Paradise on Friday, April 7, 2023

I’m saddened to hear today about the passing of John Regan, bassist for Peter Frampton, Ace Frehley, John Waite, The...

Posted by Glenn Kidd on Friday, April 7, 2023

RIP John Regan, such a talent that played with MANY artists over the years including Ace Frehley & Peter Frampton.

Posted by Lydia Criss on Friday, April 7, 2023

Sad news about the loss of John Regan today. We got to tour together in Australia in 2017. He was a fantastic musician and wonderful person. RIP John. 😞

Posted by Bruce Kulick on Friday, April 7, 2023

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