Ace Frehley of KISS Passes Away at 74

Mon Oct 20 2025 03:40:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and founding member of glam rock band KISS, has died at the age of 74. His innovative style and theatrical performances left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of KISS, has passed away at the age of 74. Known for his signature makeup and pyrotechnic guitar performances, Frehley was a crucial part of KISS's iconic sound and visual appeal. His death was confirmed by his family, who expressed their heartbreak while honoring his legacy. KISS, famous for hits like 'Rock and Roll All Nite', gained fame in the 1970s for its elaborate stage shows and merchandise empire. Frehley's influence remains substantial across genres, from glam rock to heavy metal.

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band KISS, died Thursday. He was 74 and passed away peacefully in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by family following a recent fall.

Frehley's family expressed that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken,” yet they plan to celebrate his legacy and the joy he brought to others.

KISS is best known for hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” and for its extravagant stage shows that featured fire-breathing and heavy theatrics. The band became a cultural phenomenon throughout the mid-1970s, selling millions of records and creating a massive brand identity.

Known as “Space Ace” and “The Spaceman,” Frehley captivated audiences with his innovative guitar techniques that included pyrotechnics that made his guitars emit smoke and launch rockets.

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, fellow founding members of KISS, released a joint statement expressing their devastation at the loss of Frehley, calling him an “essential and irreplaceable rock soldier” within the band’s history and legacy.

Born Paul Daniel Frehley, he grew up in a musically inclined family, picking up the guitar at 13. Before forming KISS, he played in various local bands and worked as a roadie for the legendary Jimi Hendrix at 18.

Over the years, Frehley had his share of conflicts with bandmates, having left KISS in 1982. He returned in the mid-1990s for a reunion that revitalized the band's original style. However, tensions resurfaced later, affecting their performances and legacy.

Despite this, Frehley's influence extended far beyond KISS, shaping the sound of numerous glam and heavy metal bands that followed.

In 2024, KISS sold their catalog to Pophouse Entertainment Group for over $300 million, wrapping up a storied legacy that Frehley helped to establish through his unique sound and showmanship.

Frehley was a pivotal figure in rock history, known for his electrifying performances and innovation that paved the way for many in the music industry. He will be remembered and missed by countless fans and music lovers worldwide.