Ace Frehley, the founding guitarist and bandleader of the iconic rock band KISS, has died at the age of 74. The announcement follows closely on the heels of his recent cancellation of all remaining 2025 tour dates due to persistent health problems. Born Paul Daniel Frehley in New York City, Frehley co-founded KISS in 1973. He joined forces with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss to build a cultural juggernaut that would rock the earth for generations.
Known for his flamboyant stage presence, Frehley adopted the persona of The Spaceman, a character that became synonymous with KISS’s theatrical performances. His contributions to the band helped shape the sound and style of hard rock, making KISS one of the most recognizable names in music history.
Frehley’s career in KISS was as storied as it is controversial. He was central to the band’s meteoric rise to fame. By 2014, he was delighted by their achievement when they were inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He departed from KISS in 1982 but had a triumphant return in 1996. He toured alongside the band until yet another member left in 2002, following their original farewell tour.
Outside of his work with KISS, Frehley had started his own band, Frehley’s Comet, and put out a handful of solo albums. His previous solo album, “10,000 Volts,” came out in 2024. He was later involved in several other projects and in 1999 received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance for KISS’s album “PsychoCircus.”
His family expressed their devastation at his passing, stating, “We are completely devastated and heartbroken.” They shared a poignant reflection on his final moments:
“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.” – Ace Frehley’s family
Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette, their daughter Monique, and his brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, and numerous nieces and real nephews. Especially since he was scheduled to be honored by The Kennedy Center Honors later this year with his KISS bandmates.
