Rock has lost one of its biggest icons: Ace Frehley, founding lead guitarist of KISS, has died at the age of 74. He passed away in New Jersey, surrounded by family, after suffering injuries from a fall at his studio in September. He had been on life support in recent weeks.
His family released a statement saying they were “completely devastated and heartbroken”, adding: “In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words … we cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.”
“He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy”
The news follows the cancellation of the Spaceman’s 2025 tour dates due to medical reasons.
KISS’s Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons also paid tribute, calling Frehley “irreplaceable” and acknowledging his essential role in the band’s formation and legacy. Stanley noted on X that Frehley was part of some of the most formative chapters in KISS’s history.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley, Ace answered a late ’72 ad placed by Stanley, Simmons and Peter Criss to join as lead guitarist – and by January 1973, KISS was born. With their iconic makeup, theatrics, and bombastic stage shows, KISS became giants in rock, and Frehley’s guitar work became integral to their sound.
Though he left to form Frehley’s Comet in 1982, he rejoined KISS in 1996, and remained a beloved figure in rock circles. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with KISS in 2014.
Even in his solo career, Frehley stayed ferocious. In 2024, he released 10,000 Volts, which topped Billboard’s hard music and rock charts.
A self-taught guitarist, Frehley always acknowledged his influences – Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, The Stones, Zeppelin – but few gave back the way he did, inspiring countless guitarists to pick up their first six-string.
Ace Frehley’s passing feels like the end of an era, but his riffs, his spirit, and his cosmic guitar lines will live on forever.
RIP to a legend.
Further Reading
KISS to Continue As Digital Avatars
We Asked a Seven-Year-Old KISS Superfan to Review the Band’s Sydney Show
Ace Frehley Is “Absolutely” Up For Reuniting With KISS On Their Final Tour, If The Price Is Right
