Rock News: Music's high and low notes

KISS's ACE FREHLEY

KISS lead guitarist Ace Frehley has joined the line-up for New York Steel, a benefit show being held Nov. 28 at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. All proceeds from the event will go to families of the New York Police and Fire Department who lost loved ones in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center twin towers.

"New York gave me life and celebrity status," said Frehley, "and my performing at the concert would give me a chance to give a little back to the city I've always loved, particularly to the families of our fallen firefighters and police officers. Long live New York and rock 'n' roll."

The event will also feature a recently reunited Twister Sister, former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach, Anthrax and Overkill.

The Ace Frehley Band -- which includes guitarist Richie Scarlet, bassist Karl Cochran and Steve "Budgie" Warner on drums -- will perform a short set of Ace's best classic rock songs.

"It's been awhile since I performed as a solo artist with my band. We're just gonna get up on stage for 30 plus minutes and kick ass," promised Frehley.

MICHAEL JACKSON

Look for two very different cover photos of Michael Jackson on the upcoming issue of TV Guide.

Columnist Liz Smith reports that Jackson -- desperately trying to jump-start his all-but-dead career -- submitted to a rare interview with the magazine's Mary Murphy and Jennifer Graham. One of the photos is a modern-day shot, the other a classic Jackson pose from the 1970s.

By the way, Jackson confirms that he still wants to make a movie with Liza Minnelli. He says it will be about two "struggling entertainers trying to make it."

Meanwhile, he is hyping his Nov. 13 CBS special. Jackson's double "comeback concerts" -- staged in the Big Apple after months of publicity -- got lost in the shuffle because of their proximity to the events of Sept. 11.

(Thanks to UPI Feature Reporter Dennis Daily)

LUCY PEARL'S JOI

Lucy Pearl member Joi has a new album coming out early next year. "Star Kitty's Revenge" marks her debut on the CrazyWorld/Universal Records label.

The 19-track CD features collaborations with Raphael Saadiq (Whitney Houston, Tony Toni Tone, Angie Stone), Andre Betts (Madonna, Living Colour) and Sleepy Brown (Outkast, Organized Noise). The first single, "Missing You," was produced by Joi's long-time producer Dallas Austin and will be released to radio Nov. 27.