Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley has tragically passed away at 74.
This comes after it was announced he was hospitalized and on life support after suffering a brain bleed, TMZ reported. The bleed was caused by a fall Frehley took in his studio a few weeks back, and the initial report said that he was “on a ventilator for some time, and hasn’t gotten better,” which led to the decision to take him off life support.
Ace Frehley’s Family Releases A Statement
“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. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!,” the family said in a statement (via Variety).
Tributes Pour In For Ace Frehley
John William Lowery aka John 5 (Mötley Crüe): “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.”
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.”
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”
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.”
