Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are honoring their longtime friend and bandmate, Ace Frehley, following his death at 74. The legendary KISS guitarist died Thursday in New Jersey after complications from a recent fall. His family shared that he passed away surrounded by “loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers, and intentions.”
Frehley, a founding member of KISS, helped form the iconic rock band in 1973 alongside Simmons, Stanley, and drummer Peter Criss. Together, they revolutionized rock music with their high-energy performances, elaborate costumes, and trademark face paint that defined 1970s arena rock culture.
‘An Essential & Irreplaceable Rock Soldier’
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)In a joint statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Stanley and Simmons reflected on Frehley’s lasting impact and their grief over his passing.
“I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” the statement read. “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.”
Frehley played on KISS’s first nine studio albums before leaving the band in 1982. He later reunited with the group for their 1998 reunion album “Psycho Circus” before parting ways again in 2002.
A Legacy That Transformed Rock & Roll
Throughout his career, Frehley became one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. His distinctive riffs, stage presence, and space-themed persona — known as “The Spaceman” — helped define KISS’s sound and image.
The band’s explosive live performances, complete with pyrotechnics and larger-than-life theatrics, cemented their status as pioneers of arena rock.
Outside of KISS, Frehley released nine solo studio albums, showcasing his musical versatility and continuing to inspire generations of rock musicians.
Bruce Kulick, who performed with KISS from 1984 to 1996, also shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “The news of Ace’s passing is devastating to the world of rock. It has deeply affected me as well,” Kulick wrote.
“He was one of a kind — a truly iconic guitar player. His undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS cannot be forgotten. Not only was he loved by all, but he also influenced millions of guitarists around the world.”
As fans and musicians continue to honor his legacy, Ace Frehley’s music, charisma, and fearless creativity will remain an enduring part of rock history.
I remember hearing Kiss in 1978 for the first time, I became a fan immediately.
Four of us decided to be Kiss for Halloween and we won first
Ace is truly one of my favorite guitarist.
Miss you StarMan.
I grew up listening to kiss as a young man and all i can say is wow what a great group I remember when Peter Chris died and now ACE is gone he will be missed R.I.P ACE Frehley.
Peter Criss isn’t dead though…
Who was the genius that labeled the picture of Kiss with Vinnie Vincent as “Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley of the rock and roll band “Kiss” performing onstage in circa 1977.” Vinnie Vincent was a member of Kiss for 15 months (1982-1984). That picture is clearly not from 1977 and that is not Ace, hence the Ankh makeup.
Shouldn’t have made that disco album.
Ace probably left for that very reason