His family have confirmed the news
Ace Frehley in 1980
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has sadly died aged 74.
Confirming Ace’s death, his family wrote in a statement: “We are completely devastated and heartbroken. 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.
“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
Ace’s death comes a week after he cancelled all upcoming 2025 tour dates due to unspecified “medical issues.”
Ace Frehley in 1996
The Spaceman previously axed his Friday 26th September concert at Antelope Valley Fair in California after suffering a “minor fall” in his studio.
Paying tribute, KISS wrote: “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. 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. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
KISS bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons wrote: “Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”
The late-great Ace Frehley
Co-founding KISS drummer Peter Criss said: “With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well. I love you my brother.
“As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in Ace’s solo career, Ace influenced and touch the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army.”
Posting a photograph of himself and Ace laughing, singer Paul Stanley said: “I remember 1974 being in my room at the Hyatt on Sunset in LA and I heard someone playing deep and fiery guitar in the room next door. I thought “Boy, I wish THAT guy was in the band!” I looked over the balcony… He was. It was Ace. This is my favorite photo of us…”
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Born Paul Daniel Frehley on 27th April 1951 in New York City, Ace auditioned for Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss in late 1972 and he was officially a member of the band three weeks later. They dubbed themselves KISS in January 1973.
The band painted their faces for live performances, with Ace adopting the iconic Space Ace / The Spaceman persona.
A highly flamboyant guitarist, Ace’s fiery licks, huge solos and explosive performances on stage were true theatre and he influenced a whole generation of musicians.
Ace was a member of KISS from 1973 to 1982 and performing on their seminal albums including ‘KISS’, ‘Dressed to Kill’ and ‘Destroyer’ to name but a few.
He reunited with KISS in 1996 for a highly successful reunion tour, and the original quartet recorded the album ‘Psycho Circus’ together. Ace left to resume his solo career in 2002.