Ace Frehley, the legendary founding guitarist of KISS, has been laid to rest. One week after his death, a private memorial service honoring his life was held in New York City’s Bronx borough. According to SiriusXM host and longtime friend Eddie Trunk, the intimate ceremony brought together Frehley’s former bandmates Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss for a heartfelt final goodbye.
Trunk shared a touching post on Instagram on October 23, including a memorial prayer card that read, “In Loving Memory of Paul ‘Ace’ D. Frehley.”
“It has been an emotional couple of days to say the least, saying farewell to a rock icon and longtime friend,” Trunk wrote. “All of the services went as well as they could and were attended by a small group of family and close friends, including the three surviving original members of KISS.”
Remembering the Life & Legacy of Ace Frehley
Frehley, who helped define KISS’s signature sound in the 1970s, passed away on October 17 at the age of 74. TMZ reported that the musician was placed on life support following a brain bleed caused by a fall several weeks prior.
His family confirmed his death in a statement to People, saying they were “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,” they said. “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions and beyond comprehension. Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever.”
Eddie Trunk Shares Plans for a Fan Tribute
Trunk, who had known Frehley for decades, also revealed that the family permitted him to organize a public tribute.
“That’s something I feel, and many others feel, is deserved and should happen,” he explained. “There is nothing at all to share yet on this, but when there is you will for sure know about it. I think it’s important for Ace’s legacy, his fans, and the countless guitar players he influenced.”
He closed his post with a message to fans: “For now, crank up the music and remember and celebrate Ace for all he gave us and left us with. #ripace.”
Known for his explosive guitar solos and iconic Spaceman persona, Ace Frehley helped launch KISS into global superstardom with timeless anthems like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.” His groundbreaking sound and showmanship continue to influence generations of rock musicians.
As fans and fellow artists mourn his loss, the reunion of KISS’s founding members at his memorial stands as a powerful tribute to Frehley’s legacy, not just as a trailblazing guitarist, but as a brother in rock. His spirit and music will forever echo through concert halls and in the hearts of those who loved him.
Am biggest kiss fan since 1975 I was 6 years old, ace wrong classic hits with kiss in 70’s great guitar solo, he great proferces, you’re my hero ace, rest in peace in space