KISS legend Ace Frehley tragically passed away on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the age of 74, and many in the music world rushed to pay tribute to the incredible guitarist.
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley
“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,” the two said in a joint statement to the Hollywood Reporter.
Pearl Jam
“I heard about Ace Frehley‘s passing from Rick Friel who I played with in a band called Shadow. Rick was also the first guy on the bus in 1977 with a KISS lunchbox to tell me about Ace…just changed my life. I got a guitar in 1978 to join Rick‘s band Warrior which turned into Shadow. We covered “C’mon and Love Me”.
All my friends have spent untold hours talking about KISS and buying KISS stuff. Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly over the years…
Just listen to “Alive”, I used his solo from “She” as a template. Ace jammed on “Black Diamond” with Pearl Jam at Madison Square Garden…a dream come true for me.
I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence.
RIP it out Ace, you changed my life.
Thank you.
– Mike”
Rush
“Absolutely stunned and saddened by the news Ace Frehley has tragically passed away. Back in 1974, as the opening act for KISS, Alex, Neil and myself spent many a night hanging out together in his hotel room after shows, doing whatever nonsense we could think of, just to make him break out his inimitable and infectious laugh. He was an undeniable character and an authentic rock star. RIP Ace .. thanks for welcoming us newbies into the rock and roll world.
#ripacefrehley #thebag”
Bruce Kulick
“The news of Ace’s passing is devastating to the world of rock. It has deeply affected me as well. He was one of a kind. And 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”
Gibson Guitar
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Ace Frehley. Thank you for the decades of music inspiring generations with your electrifying guitar work and unforgettable stage presence. Your sound helped define rock ’n’ roll. Our thoughts are with Ace’s family, friends, and fans around the world. Rest easy, Spaceman—your legacy will live on forever.”
The Kennedy Center
“The Kennedy Center is saddened to hear of the passing of one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees, Ace Frehley of the band KISS.
We send our deepest condolences to his friends, his family, and millions of fans worldwide.
We will be paying tribute to this “rock soldier”, his work, and his legacy at our ceremony in December.”
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
“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.”
Bret Michaels
“@ace_frehley Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time. All my love and respect, from my family and myself – may you rest in peace!!! #AceFrehley”
Tom Morello
“My first guitar hero, Ace Frehley, has passed away. The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n roll and love rock n roll guitar playing. His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten. Thank you, Ace for a lifetime of great music and memories.”
Mötley Crüe’s John William Lowery
“I am so shocked and saddened that this happened to my hero and my friend I’ve known Ace since 1988 and we’ve been very close ever since then. Ace changed the world. He influenced millions of people and changed my life. I will miss you my friend.”
