Ace Frehley, the founding guitarist of the rock band. KISSHe has died at the age of 74.
His death was confirmed in a statement from his family.
“We are completely “Devastated and heartbroken,” the statement said. “In his final moments, we were fortunate to have been able to surround him with loving, caring and peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth. We cherish all of his fondest memories, his laughter and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.”
In this undated file photo, Ace Frehley, guitarist for the rock group KISS, appears in makeup and costume.
Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images
The statement went on to say, “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of the incredible accomplishments in his life, Ace’s memory will live on forever!”
Frehley, whose costumed character on stage with the band was called The Spaceman, was included with the band in Rock. & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
The news comes just weeks after Frehley canceled the remainder of his 2025 tour dates “due to some ongoing medical issues.”
Frehley, whose real name was Paul Daniel Frehley, co-founded KISS with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss in New York City in 1973. They rose to fame thanks to their live shows, which included face paint, wild stage costumes and lots of pyrotechnics. They went on to become one of the best-selling bands of all time.
Singer and guitarist Ace Frehley performs at the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheater on October 7, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jeff Hahne/Getty Images, FILE
Frehley left the group in 1982 but rejoined in 1996. He then left again in 2002, after KISS’s first farewell tour.
In 1999, KISS was nominated for a Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance for the album “PsychoCircus.”
Outside of KISS, Frehley formed his own band, Frehley’s Comet, and released several solo albums, the latest being 2024’s “10,000 Volts.”
In December, he would receive the Kennedy Center Honors with KISS.
He is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, nieces Suncere Frehley and Julie Salvner, nephews Sky Frehley and Andrew Salvner, sister-in-law Michelanne and brother-in-law Ron Salvner, according to a news release.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
