Ace Frehley, Original KISS Guitarist, Dies at 74
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the rock band KISS, has passed away at the age of 74.
His family confirmed the news in a statement Thursday, expressing their deep sorrow.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate to surround him with love, care, and peaceful thoughts as he left this earth,” the statement read.
“We cherish his laughter, his memories, and the kindness he shared with others. The magnitude of his passing is beyond comprehension. Reflecting on his incredible life and achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever.”
“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and the kindness he shared with others,” the family statement continued.
Frehley’s former KISS bandmates, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, also issued a joint statement to Page Six on Thursday.
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative chapters of the band’s history,” they said.
“He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with [his estranged wife] Jeanette, [daughter] Monique, and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
The official cause of Frehley’s death has not been released. He had reportedly been hospitalized on life support Thursday afternoon after a fall in his studio that resulted in a brain bleed, just weeks before his passing.
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley … he is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.”
Earlier updates on Frehley’s health had been shared via his official Instagram. On Sept. 25, a post confirmed that the “Cold Gin” rocker “had a minor fall” in his studio, resulting in a hospital visit.
“He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time,” the post read. “Ace looks forward to continuing on his tour and finishing work on his next album, ‘Origins Vol. 4.’”
Another post, shared on Oct. 6, announced that Frehley had “made the difficult decision” to cancel the remainder of his 2025 tour dates due to “some ongoing medical issues.”
Frehley, born Paul Daniel Frehley, grew up in the Bronx, New York, where he was introduced to music at an early age. He taught himself guitar, drawing inspiration from artists and bands including B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones.
The metal guitarist famously created the persona of “The Spaceman” (also known as “Space Ace”).
“I’m always flattered when people tell me I influenced them. If I knew I was going to influence thousands of guitar players, I would’ve practiced more. I laugh, but that’s the truth,” Frehley told Guitar World in 2024, noting that he had never taken a formal lesson and that his “sense of melody” came from singing in the church choir.
“I didn’t know I would become this iconic guitar player that so many people would listen to. I’ve had so many players come up to me and say, ‘You are the reason I play guitar,’ and I’m always like, ‘Wow…’”
In 1973, Frehley got his big break as one of the four founding members of KISS, alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. He served as the band’s lead guitarist and occasionally took the lead vocals on songs including “Shock Me,” “Into the Void,” and “2,000 Man.”
Known for his electrifying guitar work and dramatic stage effects, Frehley developed the iconic “Spaceman” persona, complete with silver metallic face makeup, a black-and-silver glam rock jumpsuit, and platform boots.
“I didn’t know I would become this iconic guitar player that so many people would listen to.”
Frehley left KISS in 1982 and went on to form his own band, Frehley’s Comet. His most recent solo album, 10,000 Volts, was released in February 2023.
Although he had a rocky relationship with KISS after his departure, Frehley rejoined the band in 1996 for a reunion tour that lasted until 2002. Since then, he had only performed with Gene Simmons a handful of times. One notable occasion was The Children Matter benefit in 2017, held in St. Paul, Minnesota, for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Simmons, performing with his solo band, invited Frehley to take part in the charity concert.
Frehley surprised fans again in January 2018, joining Simmons at the intimate “Vault Experience” at the Capitol Records building in Hollywood, California. The two delivered an impromptu performance together during the event.
“I’d like to invite Ace on stage. Nothing is planned, he just happened to come by,” Simmons said at the time. Frehley added, “It’s going to be a great day … thank you for coming,” as the crowd erupted in cheers at the reunion.
Formed in New York City in 1973, KISS is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
The group took their final bow with two back-to-back shows at Madison Square Garden in December 2024, part of their End of the Road World Tour. The performances featured original members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, with Tommy Thayer on lead guitar and Eric Singer on drums.
“We’re thrilled to be doing our final shows at MSG since the band originated in New York City over 50 years ago,” the band said in a statement. “We are thankful for our long legacy of fans, the KISS Army, and excited to be celebrating through these activations.”
Although Simmons and Stanley personally invited Ace Frehley and Peter Criss to participate in the farewell tour in some capacity, both declined.
