The rock world is in mourning after the sudden passing of Ace Frehley, the iconic guitarist and founding member of KISS.
Friends, fans, and bandmates alike have been left heartbroken by the news of his death at 74.
Frehley suffered a brain bleed that placed him on life support, and his family made the difficult decision to remove him from the ventilator, according to TMZ.
Emotional Tributes from Bandmates
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who co-founded KISS with Frehley, spoke openly about their grief.
In a joint statement to The Hollywood Reporter, they said,
“I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative chapters of the band’s history.”
They added, “He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.
Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique, and all who loved him, including fans around the world.”
The Legacy of KISS and The Spaceman
KISS was formed in 1973 in New York City, bringing together Simmons, Stanley, Frehley, and Peter Criss.
Frehley earned fame as the band’s lead guitarist and became legendary for his persona, The Spaceman, which captivated audiences with its space-age flair and rock ‘n’ roll energy.
He originally played with the band until 1982, after which he formed his own project, Frehley’s Comet.
Fans rejoiced when he returned to KISS for a reunion tour in 1996, though he would ultimately leave again in 2002.
Remembering a Rock Legend
Ace Frehley’s influence on rock music is undeniable.
From electrifying guitar riffs to his unforgettable stage persona, he helped define the KISS experience for generations of fans.
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s heartfelt words underscore the impact he had both on the band and the wider world of rock music.