Ace Frehley, Kiss Co-Founder and Guitar Legend, Dies at 74
A Rock Icon’s Final Exit
Ace Frehley, Kiss co-founder, has passed away at the age of 74. According to his family, he died in a hospital in New Jersey after suffering injuries from a fall in his recording studio late last month.
He was a pivotal creative force in Kiss’s early years, performing on their first nine albums and defining their legendary stage persona. His death marks the end of an era for fans and the rock world at large.
The Man Behind the Spaceman
Born Paul Daniel Frehley in 1951, he co-founded Kiss in 1973 with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. Frehley’s “Spaceman” persona, elaborate guitar effects, and raw playing style became signature to the band’s image and appeal.
Even without formal training, Frehley achieved stardom. He never learned to read sheet music, but his emotive, unorthodox style captured audiences worldwide..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIZUR1YBHBs
Fall, Health Struggles, and Final Moments
In late September, Frehley reportedly fell in his studio and sustained a serious head injury, leading to bleeding in the brain. He was placed on life support and remained hospitalized for weeks. His family said they surrounded him with peace, prayer, and memories during his final hours.
He canceled his remaining 2025 tour dates citing “ongoing medical issues.” His passing comes amid widespread grief from fans, peers, and fellow musicians.
Legacy That Echoes Through Rock
Frehley’s influence extended far beyond Kiss. His solo effort, Ace Frehley, topped charts with the hit “New York Groove,” outperforming his bandmates’ solo efforts. He later formed Frehley’s Comet and pursued a solo path while occasionally rejoining Kiss during reunion periods.
He inspired countless guitarists: Slash, Tom Morello, Mike McCready, and others have cited him as formative to their own playing. His style was raw, theatrical, and deeply emotive—his signature riffing and stage theatrics remain iconic. teammates are still adjusting, and the front line has yet to click entirely, but the foundations are emerging.
Tributes from Bandmates and Fans
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley issued a heartfelt statement calling Ace “irreplaceable” and foundational to the band’s legacy. Peter Criss, the original drummer, expressed shock and personal loss on social media.
Across the music world, tributes poured in. Musicians and fans recalled how his solos shaped their own journeys. For many, Ace Frehley wasn’t just a guitarist—he was a guiding star in rock.
