Ace Frehley, founding guitarist for KISS, dead at 74
Ace Frehley, the founding guitarist for the rock band KISS, has died at age 74.
His death was confirmed in a statement from his family.
"We are completely devastated and heartbroken," the statement said. "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 statement went on to say: "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!"
Frehley, whose costumed stage persona with the band was called The Spaceman, was inducted with the band into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
The news comes just weeks after Frehley canceled the remainder of his 2025 tour dates "due to some ongoing medical issues."
Frehley, born Paul Daniel Frehley, co-founded KISS with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss in New York City in 1973. They rose to fame thanks to their live shows, which included face paint, wild stage outfits and plenty of pyrotechnics. They went on to become one of the bestselling bands of all time.
Frehley left the group in 1982 but rejoined in 1996. He then left again in 2002, after KISS' first farewell tour.
In 1999, he was Grammy nominated for KISS for best hard rock performance for the album "PsychoCircus."
Outside of KISS, Frehley formed his own band, Frehley's Comet, and released several solo albums, his last being 2024's "10,000 Volts."
In December, he was to be a recipient of The Kennedy Center Honors with KISS.
He is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, nieces Suncere Frehley and Julie Salvner, nephews Sky Frehley and Andrew Salvner, sister-in-law Michelanne and brother-in-law Ron Salvner, according to a press release.
The other members of KISS saluted Frehley for his role in helping form the band.
"We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley," Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons said in a joint statement. "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."
In a statement posted on his website, 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 ... As a founding member of the rock group 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."
