Ace Frehley, the iconic lead guitarist and co-founder of the legendary rock band Kiss, has died at the age of 74.
Frehley passed away on Thursday in a New Jersey hospital after suffering serious injuries from a fall in his recording studio last month, his family confirmed in a statement.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” the statement read. “In his final moments, we surrounded him with love, prayers, and peace. His laughter, strength, and kindness will live on forever. The magnitude of his passing is beyond comprehension.”
A True Rock Pioneer
Born Paul Daniel Frehley in New York City in 1951, he co-founded Kiss in 1973 alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. The band went on to redefine rock performance with their theatrical makeup, wild pyrotechnics, and larger-than-life stage presence.
Stanley and Simmons said in a joint tribute, “We’re devastated. Ace was essential to the foundation of Kiss. He’ll always be part of our legacy.” Criss added simply on X (formerly Twitter): “I’m shocked!!! My friend ... I love you!”
Frehley’s fatal fall reportedly happened in late September. He was hospitalized for several weeks after suffering a brain bleed and placed on life support. His health issues forced him to cancel upcoming tour dates, including a show in California.
The “Spaceman” Who Changed Rock Forever
When Kiss released their debut album in 1974, critics weren’t impressed—but fans couldn’t get enough of their explosive energy. Each member adopted a distinct persona: Frehley became “The Spaceman”, Simmons the “Demon”, Stanley the “Starchild”, and Criss the “Catman.”
Frehley stood out for his smoky, modified Les Paul guitar, which literally shot out smoke during solos. In a 2009 interview, he joked, “I never took a guitar lesson. I can’t read music, but I’m one of the most famous guitarists in the world—go figure.”
His 1978 solo album, released alongside those of his bandmates, was the best-selling of the four. The hit single “New York Groove” became an anthem for fans across generations.
Life Beyond Kiss
By 1982, Frehley had left Kiss, citing creative differences and personal struggles. “I believed if I stayed, I would have killed myself,” he admitted in a later interview.
He went on to form Frehley’s Comet and later returned to using his own name for solo work. Despite ups and downs, he reunited with Kiss in 1996 for their blockbuster reunion tour and stayed with the band until 2002.
But tensions with Simmons resurfaced over the years. In 2019, when Simmons suggested Frehley had been fired for drug use, Frehley fired back publicly: “I’ve been sober for 12 years. I quit Kiss of my own free will—because you and Paul are control freaks and too difficult to work with.”
Tributes Pour In
The music world flooded social media with tributes.
Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready wrote, “Ace changed my life. I wouldn’t have picked up a guitar without him. Playing with him at Madison Square Garden was a dream come true.”
Poison’s Bret Michaels added, “Ace, my brother, thank you for the years of great music and memories. All my love and respect—rest in peace.”
Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette and daughter Monique.
Even in silence, his guitar still echoes through rock history — a cosmic riff that refuses to fade.
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