The Spaceman blows his final KISS
Ace Frehley, the founding guitarist of KISS whose “Spaceman” persona helped redefine rock theatrics, has died at 74 after injuries from a fall, leaving behind a legacy that continues to orbit rock history
Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley, the co-founder and lead guitarist of the legendary rock band KISS, has died at the age of 74 following injuries from a fall last month, his family confirmed in a statement.
Frehley passed away surrounded by loved ones who said they were "completely devastated and heartbroken." In their statement, the family shared that his final moments were filled with "loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions." They added, "The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace's memory will continue to live on forever".
"Ace Frehley was the embodiment of rock 'n' roll attitude - unapologetic, loud, and irresistibly catchy. His riffs had swagger, his tone had bite, and his presence lit up stages like a supernova. Ace reminded us all that rock should never apologise for being fun and that a little chaos can sound downright heavenly. The Spaceman has left the stage, but his orbit will shine forever."
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KISS bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons paid tribute, calling him "an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative chapters of the band's history." They added that Frehley "will always be a part of KISS's legacy."
Frehley was the original "Spaceman", one of the four personas that defined KISS alongside Stanley's Starchild, Simmons' Demon, and Peter Criss' Catman. With their face paint, platform boots, and explosive stage shows, the band revolutionised rock performance in the 1970s — merging heavy riffs, pyrotechnics, and theatrics into a spectacle that captivated teenage fans and horrified their parents.
"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."
Born in the Bronx, New York, Frehley received his first guitar as a Christmas gift at 13. He taught himself to play, citing Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Led Zeppelin as early influences. After answering an ad in the Village Voice in 1972, he joined Stanley, Simmons, and Criss in forming KISS. Famously, he showed up to the audition wearing mismatched sneakers — one red, one orange — but impressed the band with his blistering guitar work.
By 1975, KISS broke through with their live album 'Alive!', driven by Frehley's song "Cold Gin" and the hit 'Rock and Roll All Nite'. Their follow-up, 'Destroyer' (1976), featuring 'Detroit Rock City' and 'Beth', cemented them as one of the biggest rock acts in the world. With smoke-spewing guitars, fire-breathing stunts, and a mountain of merchandise, KISS became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 100 million records worldwide.
"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!"
Frehley's first solo spotlight came with the 1978 single 'Shock Me', inspired by an onstage electrocution incident. That same year, when all four KISS members released solo albums, his self-titled record stood out — particularly for its hit cover 'New York Groove'. It showcased his knack for melodic hooks and swaggering riffs, solidifying his reputation as one of rock's great guitar heroes.
Despite fame, tensions grew within the band over musical direction and personal struggles. Frehley left KISS in 1982 amid battles with addiction but found new footing with his solo project 'Frehley's Comet' in the late '80s, delivering the cult favourite 'Rock Soldiers'.
"We are 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. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world."
In 1996, he reunited with the original KISS lineup for a world tour and contributed to the 1998 album 'Psycho Circus'. The reunion reignited old magic — and old conflicts — and Frehley eventually departed again in 2002 to pursue his solo career.
Across his life, Frehley released eight solo albums, including his final one, '10,000 Volts', in 2024. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with KISS in 2014 and published his memoir 'No Regrets' in 2011, where he reflected, "I never set my sights low. Most people are ruined by the limitations they put on themselves."
"It is with great sadness and shock that we say goodbye and "thank you" to Paul "Ace" Frehley. A rocking beacon of light for guitarplayers worldwide. A massive influence for many, let alone for myself and Fredrik. As far as l'm concerned Ace was the coolest dude out of the original four. He had some type of swagger that almost defined the term itself. A hard rocking Keith Richards of sorts, albeit in silver makeup and platform heels. Kiss was very much an introduction to my "school of rock". All my childhood friends were fans of Kiss, and many of them regarded Ace as the ultimate rock-star."
In recent years, Frehley had faced health challenges. Earlier this year, he cancelled a California show after a studio accident and later postponed his remaining tour dates due to "ongoing medical issues."
"So sad to hear about Ace Frehley. When I was still a teenager, my band "Episode" got to open for KISS, before they were famous. They played at a high school field house and the place was packed! This was right before they exploded onto the world music scene. I met Ace and the band back stage before the show. It was an experience that is a lifetime event. This is the actual flier from the show! We had never seen anything like KISS before and were blown away by how cool Ace and of course the rest of the band looked and performed on stage. Ace made a huge impact on Rock Music and Rock culture. He is greatly missed."
Known for his wild stage persona and self-taught mastery, Ace Frehley embodied rock's rebellious spirit. He was the Spaceman who made guitars smoke, riffs soar, and fans believe in rock's cosmic power — a legacy that will continue to echo far beyond the stars.
Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, and extended family.
