It is with deep sadness that we share the news: Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and original co-founder of KISS, has passed away at the age of 74.
The Announcement & Cause
Ace Frehley died on October 16, 2025, following complications from a fall in his home studio that led to a brain bleed. Earlier in September, he had suffered the fall and canceled several tour dates, initially describing it as a “minor accident.” As weeks went by, complications worsened, and he was placed on life support. Surrounded by loved ones, his family made the difficult decision to remove him from life support.
A statement from his family read: "We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension.”
His death marks the first passing among the founding members of KISS.
Early Life & Origins
Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, New York, Ace grew up in a working-class household. He started playing guitar as a teenager and performed in local bands before auditioning for a new rock group in 1973.
That audition led him to Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss — and ultimately to the creation of KISS. Frehley developed the stage persona “The Spaceman,” complete with silver star makeup and intergalactic flair. His look and attitude became integral to the band’s identity and mystique.
Rise With KISS: Shaping a Rock Phenomenon
When Ace joined, KISS was still defining its sound and image. His style — blending sharp, melodic solos with a gritty, blues-inspired edge — helped cement what would become one of rock’s most recognizable sounds.
Highlights of his KISS career include:
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Signature albums: Frehley’s guitar work powered many of the band’s classic albums, including Hotter Than Hell, Destroyer, Love Gun, and Dynasty. His solos, tone, and rhythm became trademarks of the KISS sound.
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Solo success: In 1978, all four KISS members released solo albums simultaneously. Ace’s album was the most successful, thanks to his hit single “New York Groove.”
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Stage innovation: Known for guitars that emitted smoke and light, Ace turned his performances into electrifying events that elevated KISS’s theatrical reputation.
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Departures and reunions: Frehley first left KISS in 1982 due to creative differences but returned for the band’s massive 1996 reunion tour and the Psycho Circus album in 1998. His final departure came a few years later as the band transitioned to new members.
Solo Ventures & Later Works
Outside of KISS, Frehley enjoyed a vibrant solo career that showcased his independence and creativity.
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Frehley’s Comet: Formed in the mid-1980s, this band released albums like Frehley’s Comet and Second Sighting, delivering a heavier yet melodic sound.
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Solo comeback: Albums such as Anomaly (2009), Space Invader (2014), and Origins Vol. 1 & 2 reaffirmed his relevance in modern rock. Space Invader even reached No. 9 on the Billboard 200, a rare feat for a classic rock artist.
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Final years: Frehley’s last release, 10,000 Volts (2024), was well-received, proving that his creativity and spark remained alive into his 70s. He had been planning to release Origins Vol. 3 before his passing.
Legacy & Influence
Ace Frehley’s influence extended far beyond his time with KISS. His style inspired generations of guitarists — from 1970s arena rockers to 2000s metal players.
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Musical legacy: Frehley’s solos were known for their melodic phrasing and emotional punch. He helped define the “arena rock” guitar sound, blending flash and substance seamlessly.
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Theatrical innovation: His pyrotechnic guitars, smoke effects, and stage presence shaped what fans came to expect from a live rock show.
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Cultural icon: As “The Spaceman,” Frehley embodied the larger-than-life fantasy that made KISS an enduring phenomenon. His character and sound continue to inspire artists who blend spectacle with substance.
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Recognition: In 2014, Ace Frehley was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of KISS — a fitting honor for a man who helped build one of the most recognizable bands in rock history.
Reflections on His Departure
The passing of Ace Frehley represents more than just the loss of a musician; it’s the closing of a chapter in rock history. Fans and peers alike have flooded social media with tributes, guitar covers, and memories celebrating his humor, humility, and talent.
For those who grew up blasting Detroit Rock City or Shock Me, Frehley wasn’t just a guitarist — he was a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and individuality. His influence reaches from the smoky clubs of the 1970s to the stages of modern metal and glam rock.
In Memoriam
Ace Frehley’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and personality. He was the dreamer who reached for the stars — and brought the cosmos to the stage.
His riffs will continue to echo through generations of musicians who dare to be different.
Rest in peace, Spaceman. You’ll forever be part of rock’s orbit.