​Brian “Ace” Blanke first got into music in the 4th Grade music class playing drums. He continued to do so through High School playing in the Marching Band.  When he turned 13 he picked up a guitar and found he liked this much more than drumming. By the age of 15 he started playing at various places, sitting in with different bands at the local bars and parties when ever he could.

The 1st full time band Brian was in was a local original band called Coalition, which became popular in the music circut and opened for Jake E. Lee from Ozzy Osbourne, Gary Richrath (REO Speedwagon), and played in the I-70 Music Festivals.
After 2 years the band split up and he joined, local cover band, Rags 2 Riches. The band also started doing original material, which got them into opening slots for Night Ranger and Quiet Riot. 

About a year later Brian bought a house and decided to throw a house warming party. He invited a bunch of friends that consisted mostly of local musicians, which is where he and BC started “Shattered” (which was a cover/original band) that did very well for about 7 years.

After the band parted ways, Brian moved to Vegas for a short time, then Colorado, where he lived for 5 years.  He kept in contact with BC over the years and in May of 2011, BC asked Brian if he wanted to be “Ace” in Rocket Ride a Tribute to Kiss and Ace Frehley.  Brian packed up his things and moved back to St. Louis in November of 2011 to take part in the band.
He also plays guitar in Pops Rockz and bass in 8-Track Flashback

 

Guitar influences: Ace Frehley, George Lynch, and Randy Rhodes

Favorite Kiss Album: Kiss Alive II

First Kiss Concert: 2012 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Favorite Guitar: Ibanez RG 550