Ace Frehley, Original Kiss Guitarist and Rock Icon, Dies at 74 After Fall

Rock Legend Ace Frehley, Original Kiss Guitarist, Dies at 74

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and a founding member of the iconic rock band Kiss, has passed away at the age of 74. His death was confirmed on Thursday, October 16, 2025, following complications from a fall at his home studio that resulted in a brain bleed. Frehley died peacefully in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by his family.

The Spaceman’s Final Farewell

Frehley’s passing comes after he suffered a fall in his recording studio in late September, sustaining a head injury that led to an intracranial hemorrhage, commonly known as a brain bleed. This serious medical emergency led to his hospitalization and placement on life support. The severity of his condition prompted the cancellation of his remaining 2025 tour dates due to “ongoing medical issues”. His family released a statement expressing profound devastation: “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!”.

Architect of a Rock Phenomenon

Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, New York, Ace Frehley became a pivotal figure in the rise of Kiss. Co-founding the band in 1973 with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss, Frehley was instrumental in crafting the band’s signature sound and larger-than-life stage persona. He conceived the “Spaceman” (or “Space Ace”) character, complete with galactic makeup and elaborate costumes, which became one of rock’s most enduring visual trademarks.

Frehley’s innovative guitar playing, characterized by its aggressive, atmospheric, and melodic style, defined many of Kiss’s classic tracks. He was responsible for iconic guitar solos and riffs on songs like “Shock Me,” “Cold Gin,” and “Rocket Ride”. His inventive use of stage effects, including guitars that emitted smoke and pyrotechnics, added a theatrical dimension to Kiss’s performances, making them a top-tier entertainment spectacle. The band’s breakthrough came with the 1975 live album “Alive!,” which catapulted them to stardom, fueled by the raw energy and guitar wizardry of Frehley and his bandmates. He also contributed to the design of the band’s distinctive double-lightning-bolt logo.

Beyond the Makeup: A Solo Journey

While his tenure with Kiss was marked by creative differences and personal struggles, including substance abuse issues that he later overcame, Frehley also forged a successful solo career. In 1978, he released his self-titled solo album, which became the most successful among the four Kiss members’ simultaneous solo efforts. It featured the hit single “New York Groove,” a cover that became an anthem and reached the Top 20 in the United States.

Following his departure from Kiss in 1982, Frehley formed his own band, Frehley’s Comet, releasing successful albums and continuing to explore his distinctive musical style. He reunited with Kiss for a highly successful reunion tour in 1996, staying with the band until 2002 before resuming his solo endeavors. His later solo albums, such as “Anomaly,” “Space Invader,” and “10,000 Volts” (released in 2024), continued to showcase his passion for space-themed music and his enduring guitar prowess.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Ace Frehley’s impact on rock music is undeniable. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Kiss in 2014. Guitar publications consistently rank him among the greatest metal and rock guitarists of all time, and countless musicians cite him as a primary influence on their decision to pick up a guitar. His unique blend of showmanship, raw guitar talent, and distinct persona cemented his status as an enduring icon in the annals of rock and roll entertainment.

Tributes Pour In

News of Frehley’s passing elicited immediate and heartfelt tributes from across the music world. His former Kiss bandmates, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, released a joint statement expressing their devastation: “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”. Former bandmate Peter Criss also shared his grief, stating, “With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away”. Musicians such as Alice Cooper, Bret Michaels, and members of Pearl Jam, Tool, and Rush shared their condolences and reflections, highlighting Frehley’s pioneering spirit and profound influence on generations of guitarists and fans. The numerous stories shared by fellow artists underscore the broad reach of his talent and personality.

Ace Frehley leaves behind an indelible mark on the landscape of hard rock. His electrifying guitar work, his unique stage presence as The Spaceman, and his contributions to one of the biggest bands in history ensure that his legend will continue to resonate.