Legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley tragically passed away on Thursday, October 16 at the age of 74 after his family made the difficult decision to turn off his ventilator. His family shared in a statement that the legendary musician was surrounded “with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.”
Today, the cause of his death has been released by TMZ.
Remembering a Rock Legend
Frehley co-founded KISS in 1973 with lead singer Gene Simmons, guitarist Paul Stanley, and drummer Peter Criss. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
In a series of tweets shared by the official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame account on X, they wrote about the legacy left behind by Frehley:
“In Memoriam: @ace_frehley was the co-founder and original guitarist of 2014 Inductees @KISS. Known for his distinctive licks, flashy pyrotechnics, and his alter ego – the “Spaceman” – Frehley also contributed lead vocals on songs such as “Shock Me” and “Rocket Ride,” and he wrote or co-wrote such memorable, riff-driven songs as “Cold Gin” and “Parasite.” When the four members of KISS all put out solo albums in 1978, Frehley’s was the biggest seller, driven by the hit single “New York Groove.” After KISS, he had a successful solo career and released two albums with his own group, Frehley’s Comet. A crucial part of a band that inspired a generation of hard rockers to pick up instruments, “Space Ace” will be remembered as one of the most recognizable and influential guitarists of all time.”
Stanley and Simmons wrote in a joint statement for The Hollywood Reporter, “I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Bruce Kulick, who played with KISS from 1984 to 1996, also wrote in a tribute on Instagram, “The news of Ace’s passing is devastating to the world of rock. It has deeply effected me as well. He was one of a kind a truly an iconic guitar player. His undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS cannot be forgotten. Not only was he loved by all, he influenced millions of guitarists around the world. RIP.”
Cause of Death Released
According to the Morris County, New Jersey Medical Examiner’s report, Ace suffered a fracture to the back of his skull, a subdural hematoma, a collection of blood formed between the brain’s protective outer layer and the brain itself, and a stroke. His manner of death was ruled an accident.
The 74-year-old musician was put on life support after a fall in a studio led to a brain bleed. According to the report, he underwent a procedure to evacuate the subdural hematoma, but to no avail.
I’m confused, I don’t even listen to rock music let alone KISS but the fact that nobody has left a damn comment paying their respects is just flat out pathetic. You people call yourselves fans, just sad dude just sad. Well let me be the first and hopefully not the only one to say REST IN PEACE Mr SPACEMAN, REST IN PEACE.