The music world has lost one of its brightest stars. Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and founding member of KISS, has died at the age of 74 after a sudden and devastating brain bleed left him on life support.
The iconic musician had been hospitalized for several weeks following a fall in his home studio, and his family made the heartbreaking decision to turn off life support, according to TMZ.
The Fall That Triggered a Medical Emergency
Sources say Frehley collapsed in his studio a few weeks ago, striking his head in what quickly became a life-threatening incident.
His condition deteriorated rapidly, forcing him to cancel the remaining tour dates of 2025.
Friends and insiders revealed that he had been on a ventilator for days with little improvement, leaving doctors and family with the grim reality that there was no path forward.
Frehley’s Legendary Career with KISS
Born in the Bronx, Frehley helped form KISS in 1973 alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss.
His guitar work and the “Spaceman” persona played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s theatrical, face-painted legacy.
After leaving the band in 1982, he launched Frehley’s Comet, and later returned for the blockbuster 1996 KISS reunion tour.
He remained with the band until 2002 and continued performing and recording as a solo artist in the years that followed.
Health Struggles and Tour Cancellations
Even as recently as September, Frehley had been in touch with fans via Instagram.
On September 25, he assured followers he was “fine,” though medical advice had restricted his travel.
Just a week later, he canceled the remainder of his 2025 tour, citing ongoing health issues.
The official statement read:
“Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates.”
This followed an earlier incident in his studio, which he described as a “minor fall” that required hospitalization.
At the time, Frehley asked fans to support his friends in Quiet Riot and Vixen while he focused on recovery and finishing his next album, Origins Vol. 4.
Outpouring of Tributes and Speculation
News of Frehley’s health struggles fueled widespread speculation, especially after veteran music journalist Mitch Lafon tweeted a cryptic farewell: “Ace, Thank you for the music & memories God bless.”
Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan added, “Godspeed, Ace,” further heightening concerns among fans.
Social media was flooded with tributes as fans grappled with the reality that the beloved “Spaceman” was facing the end of his battle.
Rock World Updates as Tragedy Strikes
The timing of Frehley’s medical crisis comes shortly after fellow KISS bandmate Gene Simmons endured a frightening car accident in Malibu.
The 76-year-old reportedly fainted behind the wheel and crashed into a parked vehicle but was treated and released from the hospital.
Simmons later reassured fans on X (formerly Twitter), joking about his driving mishap and confirming he was recovering well.
“Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes. I’m completely fine. I had a slight fender bender.
It happens. Especially to those of us who are horrible drivers. And that’s me. All is well,” he wrote.
Remembering the Spaceman
Ace Frehley’s passing marks the end of an era for rock and roll.
From his early days in the Bronx to igniting stadiums worldwide with KISS, his music and larger-than-life persona left an indelible mark on generations of fans.
Tributes continue to pour in as the rock world mourns one of its true legends.