Rock ‘n’ roll lost one of its true icons this week. Ace Frehley, the founding lead guitarist of KISS, has passed away at 74 — leaving behind a legacy of electrifying riffs, signature swagger, and a sound that forever reshaped rock music.
Frehley’s bandmates — Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons — are mourning their brother in arms, reflecting on his groundbreaking career and their shared journey that began more than five decades ago.
Peter Criss’ Heartfelt Goodbye
Peter Criss confirmed on his official website that he was by Ace’s side when he passed — along with his own wife and members of Frehley’s family. The guitarist reportedly died peacefully in a hospital after being placed on life support due to a brain bleed caused by a fall in the studio.
Peter’s emotional message paid tribute to Ace’s unparalleled impact on music and culture, writing:
“As a founding member of KISS and in Ace’s solo career, Ace influenced and touched the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army.”
Criss called Frehley his “brother,” adding that the two shared “a lifetime of memories” through every era of KISS’s evolution — from playing small clubs in New York to headlining arenas across the globe.
Paul Stanley Shares a Personal Memory
Paul Stanley also took to social media to honor Ace, sharing a throwback photo of the two musicians together and recalling his favorite story about Frehley’s raw guitar genius.
Stanley wrote that Ace’s “soul and spontaneity” helped define KISS’s early sound — crediting his late bandmate for shaping some of the group’s most iconic riffs and solos.
“Ace wasn’t just our lead guitarist — he was the spark plug that made KISS roar. His sound, his humor, his spirit… there will never be another like him.”
KISS: “An Irreplaceable Rock Soldier”
The band released a joint statement Thursday night confirming the devastating news, saying they were “heartbroken” by the loss of one of rock’s most influential figures.
“Ace Frehley was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative and foundational chapters of KISS and its history,” the statement read.
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley echoed the same message to TMZ, expressing love and gratitude for the man whose otherworldly stage persona, “The Spaceman,” helped catapult KISS into rock immortality.
Tributes Pour In From Across the Rock World
Following the announcement of Ace’s passing, musicians, fans, and fellow rock legends took to social media to honor him. From Metallica to Foo Fighters, countless artists shared stories of how Frehley’s fearless guitar work inspired their own journeys into music.
Many in the KISS Army flooded timelines with memories, concert clips, and photos — celebrating the man who made face paint, fire, and feedback part of rock history.
A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Born Paul Daniel Frehley in the Bronx in 1951, Ace co-founded KISS in 1973 alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. His signature “Spaceman” character, wild solos, and explosive performances became central to the band’s identity.
Beyond KISS, Ace found success as a solo artist — his 1978 self-titled album became a cult classic, and his hit “New York Groove” remains a rock radio staple. His influence can be heard across generations of guitarists who grew up idolizing his tone, technique, and unapologetic attitude.
Frehley’s passing marks the first death of an original KISS member, closing a monumental chapter in rock history.
As fans around the world light candles, spin vinyls, and flash their devil horns to the sky, one truth is certain — Ace Frehley’s spirit will forever echo through the amps of rock and roll.
Rest in power, Spaceman.
— The Pop Radar (TPR)
