Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of rock band KISS, known as 'The Spaceman,' has died at 74. His family and former bandmates, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, expressed their devastation. He had been on life support following a brain bleed from a fall.
Ace Frehley, the iconic original lead guitarist and founding member of the legendary rock band KISS, has passed away at the age of 74. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news, expressing profound devastation and cherishing his memory, stating they were fortunate to surround him with loving words in his final moments. Former KISS bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons also released a joint statement, calling Frehley an 'essential and irreplaceable rock soldier' and affirming his permanent place in KISS's legacy. While an official cause of death has not been released, Frehley was reportedly on life support after suffering a brain bleed from a fall in his studio just weeks before his passing. Recent Instagram posts had indicated a minor fall, hospitalization, and the cancellation of his 2025 tour dates due to 'ongoing medical issues.' Born Paul Daniel Frehley, he taught himself guitar and was influenced by rock and blues legends. In 1973, he co-founded KISS, where he became known as 'The Spaceman,' complete with iconic silver metallic face makeup, a glam rock jumpsuit, and 'smoking' guitar effects. He served as lead guitarist and occasionally contributed lead vocals for songs like 'Shock Me.' Frehley departed KISS in 1982 to form Frehley's Comet and later released solo albums, including '10,000 Volts' in 2023. He rejoined KISS for a reunion tour from 1996 to 2002 and had sporadic collaborations with Gene Simmons in recent years. Despite invitations, Frehley and Peter Criss did not participate in KISS's final 'End of the Road World Tour' shows in December 2024.
