Rock World Mourns the Loss of Kiss’ Original “Spaceman” and Guitar Innovator.
Ace Frehley, the pioneering lead guitarist and co-founder of the legendary rock band Kiss, has died at the age of 74.
His family confirmed his passing on Thursday in Morristown, New Jersey, sharing a heartfelt statement expressing their devastation and love.
“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,” the family said. They remembered his humor, kindness, and legacy, adding, “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever.”
Frehley suffered a fall in late September and another more recently, which ultimately contributed to his death. Following the first incident, his team described the injury as minor but canceled a scheduled performance at the Antelope Valley Fair. On October 6, further medical complications led to the cancellation of the remainder of his 2025 shows.
Born on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, Frehley discovered his love for music as a teenager and quickly developed his guitar skills. In 1972, he joined Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss to form Kiss, adopting his iconic “Spaceman” persona as part of the group’s theatrical image.
With his signature three-pickup Gibson Les Paul and influences from bands like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, Frehley made a lasting impact on hard rock and heavy metal.
Frehley played on Kiss’ first nine albums and later returned for their 1998 reunion project, Psycho Circus, before departing again in 2002. His work on the band’s seminal 1975 live album Alive! remains celebrated by fans and musicians alike. In 2014, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside his Kiss bandmates.
Outside of Kiss, Frehley launched a successful solo career, releasing nine studio albums. His 1978 self-titled debut went platinum, and his final album, 10,000 Volts, was released in February 2024.
Frehley is survived by his wife, Jeanette; his daughter, Monique; siblings Charles and Nancy; nieces Suncere and Julie; nephews Sky and Andrew; and in-laws Michelanne and Ron.
Fans and fellow musicians around the world continue to honor his towering influence on rock music and unforgettable legacy.
