KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley Dies Aged 74

Updated: Friday, October 17, 2025, 9:14 [IST]

Ace Frehley, founder member and lead guitarist of the American rock band KISS, has passed away aged 74, his family said on Thursday.

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Ace Frehley, the founding member and lead guitarist of the rock band KISS, died at 74 on Thursday, according to his family. Frehley, who also performed as Space Ace, co-founded KISS in 1973 and later pursued a solo career, before reuniting with the band and ultimately passing due to health issues.

The rock legend reportedly died at home, surrounded by relatives, following a recent fall at his recording studio in September.

"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," Frehley's family said in a statement.

They nevertheless said they were "devastated and heartbroken" but added: "Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace's memory will continue to live on forever!"

Paul Daniel Frehley was born and raised in The Bronx, New York City, and reportedly acquired the nickname "Ace" at high school.

He co-founded KISS in 1973 alongside frontman Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss.

Often performing as characters, including Frehley as "Space Ace" or "The Spaceman," the group would become as well known for their spectacular costumes, make-up and pyrotechnic performances as for hits such as "I Was Made for Lovin' You," "God of Thunder" and "Strutter."

Frehley right returned to perform with KISS including frontman Gene Simmons left in the late 1990s including here at the 1999 Super Bowl

Tributes flow for 'irreplaceable rock soldier'

Former bandmates Simmons and Stanley said they were "devastated" by the news of Frehley's passing.

"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."

Mike McCready, founding member and lead guitarist of Pearl Jam, said Frehley was a "hero of mine" and someone he also considered a friend.

"I studied his solos endlessly over the years. I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS's influence," he wrote on social media. "RIP it out Ace, you changed my life."

Frehley also embarked on a solo career and founded another band Frehley s Comet

Frehley left KISS in 1982 as creative differences surfaced amid substance misuse.

He released several hit albums as solo artist and as part of his own band, Frehley's Comet, in the 1980s, before reuniting with KISS in the mid-1990s for a six-year-stint.

But he didn't perform in the bands final shows in 2022 amid health issues, disagreements and strained relationships.

Frehley is survived by his wife, Jeanette, and daughter, Monique.

Edited by: Zac Crellin

Source: DW