Cliff Notes
- Ace Frehley, the founding member and original lead guitarist of Kiss, passed away at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by family.
- His family expressed deep sorrow, calling him “irreplaceable,” while bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons referred to him as an “essential rock soldier.”
- Frehley was celebrated for his dynamic stage persona and contribution to classic hits including “Rock And Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.”
Ace Frehley, Kiss’s original guitarist, dies aged 74 | Ents & Arts News
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Kiss founding member Ace Frehley, the rock band’s original lead guitarist, has died aged 74.
He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, in Morristown, New Jersey, his agent said.
He had suffered a recent fall.
A statement from the rocker’s family said they were “completely devastated and heartbroken”.
New York-born Frehley was Kiss’s guitarist when they started in 1973.
The other members were Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss.
Like his bandmates, Frehley took on a comic book-style persona on stage (he was known as “Spaceman”) and captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar.
The band’s shows were known for fireworks, smoke, and eruptions of fake blood, while the stars sported platform boots, black wigs, and – of course – the iconic black and white face paint.
Especially popular in the mid-1970s, Kiss’s hits include Rock And Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City.
They sold tens of millions of records and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
‘Irreplaceable’
Frehey’s family said they would “cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others”.
Criss posted a simple tribute on X, describing his shock. He added: “My friend… I love you!”. A photograph of Frehley, smiling in his “Spaceman” makeup, accompanied the message.
Meanwhile Stanley and Simmons described him as an “essential and irreplaceable rock soldier”.
Paying tribute, the duo said they were “devastated” by his death.
Frehley’s Kiss career first ended in 1982, before he returned for a reunion tour in 1996, staying on until 2002. He also released several solo albums.
He is survived by his wife Jeanette and daughter Monique.