What happened?
Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley — the original lead guitarist and co-founder of the legendary rock band KISS — has died at 74.
His family confirmed Thursday evening. Frehley passed away peacefully in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by family, after suffering complications from a fall at his home last month.
Frehley’s family shared a heartfelt statement, saying they were “completely devastated and heartbroken.” They added that they were grateful to have surrounded him with “loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions” in his final moments.
His final days
Earlier this week, reports revealed that Frehley was hospitalized and placed on life support after a serious fall. He had previously canceled his 2025 tour dates due to the injury. Although his team initially said he was “fine,” his condition worsened, and his family later made the painful decision to withdraw medical support.
Legacy and influence
Known worldwide as “The Spaceman,” Frehley helped launch KISS in 1973 with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. His explosive guitar solos and signature space-themed persona helped define the band’s sound and stage presence. KISS became famous for high-energy hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” and “Shock Me.”
Frehley left KISS in 1982 amid creative differences and personal challenges. Soon after, he formed Frehley’s Comet and enjoyed a successful solo career with tracks such as “New York Groove” and “Rock Soldiers.” In 1996, he reunited with KISS for their blockbuster reunion tour and remained with the band until 2002.
KISS co-founders Stanley and Simmons expressed their sorrow in a joint statement:
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable part of our history. He will always remain a part of KISS’s legacy.”
Tributes pour in
Fellow musicians and fans across the world celebrated Frehley’s impact. Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready called him “a hero and a friend,” while Megadeth’s David Ellefson said, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for his guitar work and presence.”
Frehley and the original KISS lineup were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1999. His final album, “10,000 Volts,” released in 2024, topped Billboard’s rock charts and proved his talent never faded.
He is survived by his ex-wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, and several siblings, nieces, and nephews.
