KISS co-founder and beloved guitarist Ace Frehley has passed away at the age of 74.
KISS founding member and guitarist Ace Frehley has passed away at the age of 74.
The guitar hero suffered a fall at home last month, and earlier this month he cancelled the remainder of his 2025 tour due to ongoing medical issues.
In a statement given to Rolling Stone confirming the passing of Ace, his family said they 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,” reads the statement. “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!”
As the iconic Spaceman (or Space Ace), Ace co-founded KISS alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss in 1973, departing in the early ’80s to embark on a solo career. He would return for the original line-up reunion in 1996 and stay until 2002.
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” write KISS in a social media tribute. “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.”
Writing on Instagram, Tom Morello shared his love of Ace, saying, “The Legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock’n’roll and love rock’n’roll guitar playing. His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten. Thank you, Ace for a lifetime of great music and memories.”
Kerrang! sends our condolences to Ace’s family and friends at this time.
