Ace Frehley, founding member of rock band KISS, dead at 74

Ace Frehley performs in concert, playing an electric guitar.
Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist and founding member of the rock band KISS, has died. He was 74. Getty Images
Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist and founding member of the rock band KISS, has died. He was 74.

The musician’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement released Thursday.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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!”
Ace Frehley performs in concert.
The musician’s family confirmed the sad news on Thursday, sharing in a statement, “We are completely devastated and heartbroken.” Getty Images
Ace Frehley of Kiss discussing his new solo album Spaceman.
“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others,” the statement continued. Getty Images
Frehley’s former KISS bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons also released a joint statement to Page Six on Thursday.

“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,” they shared.

“He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with [his estranged wife] Jeanette, [daughter] Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”

Frehley’s official cause of death has yet to be released. He had reportedly been hospitalized on life support as of Thursday afternoon, after falling in his studio and suffering a brain bleed just a few weeks before his death.

Black and white photo of Kiss in full costume and makeup in a dressing room.
Frehley’s former KISS bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons also released a joint statement to Page Six. WireImage
Guitarist Ace Frehley of Kiss in makeup and stage costume.
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley … he is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.” WireImage
A statement was posted via his official Instagram on Sept. 25, confirming the “Cold Gin” rocker “had a minor fall” in his studio that resulted in a trip to the hospital.

“He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time,” the message read in part. “Ace looks forward to continuing on his tour and finishing work on his next album, ‘Origins Vol. 4.’”

Another Instagram post, shared on Oct. 6, revealed that Frehley “made the difficult decision” to cancel the remainder of his 2025 tour dates due to “some ongoing medical issues.”

Frehley (real name: Paul Daniel Frehley) grew up in the Bronx, New York, where he was introduced to music at an early age by his family. He taught himself guitar after being influenced by bands and artists like B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones.
Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons of the band Kiss with their signature makeup.
Frehley was one of the four founding members of KISS, alongside Simmons, Stanley and Peter Criss. Redferns
Portrait of Ace Frehley, guitarist for KISS, in full stage makeup and costume.
The metal guitarist invented the persona of “The Spaceman” (aka “Space Ace”). Corbis/VCG via Getty Images
“I’m always flattered when people tell me I influenced them. If I knew I was gonna influence thousands of guitar players, I woulda practiced more. I laugh, but that’s the truth,” he told Guitar World in 2024, noting that he had “never” taken a lesson and that his “sense of melody” came from singing in the church choir.

“I didn’t know I would become this iconic guitar player that so many people would listen to. I’ve had so many players come up to me and say, ‘You are the reason I play guitar,’ and I’m always like, ‘Wow…’”

In 1973, Frehley got his big break as one of the four founding members of KISS, alongside Simmons, Stanley and Peter Criss. He served as the lead guitarist and occasionally contributed as a lead vocalist for songs like “Shock Me,” “Into the Void” and “2,000 Man.”

The musician — known for his “smoking” guitar and stage effects — invented the persona of “The Spaceman” (aka “Space Ace”), which included his now-iconic silver metallic face makeup, a black-and-silver glam rock jumpsuit and platform boots.
The rock band Kiss in costume and makeup on a rooftop.
“I’m always flattered when people tell me I influenced them,” Frehley said in a 2024 interview. Michael Ochs Archives
The members of Kiss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons, pose for a portrait.
“I didn’t know I would become this iconic guitar player that so many people would listen to.” Michael Ochs Archives
Frehley departed KISS in 1982 and later created his own band, Frehley’s Comet. His most recent solo album, titled “10,000 Volts,” was released in February 2023.

While Frehley had a rocky relationship with KISS after his exit, he rejoined the band in 1996 for a reunion tour that lasted until 2002.

He’s only teamed up with Simmons a few times since then, including The Children Matter benefit for victims of Hurricane Harvey in St Paul, Minnesota, in 2017. At the time, Simmons was performing with his solo band and asked Frehley to take part in the charity concert.

Frehley surprised fans again in January 2018 by joining Simmons at his intimate “Vault experience” at the Capitol Records building in Hollywood, Calif. The two gave an impromptu performance together during the intimate event.

“I’d like to invite Ace on stage. Nothing is planned, he just happened to come by,” Simmons said at the time, with Frehley adding, “It’s going to be a great day … thank you for coming,” as the crowd erupted into cheers over the reunion.

Photo of Kiss members Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, Paul Stanley, and Gene Simmons in full costume and makeup with Gene Simmons sticking out his tongue.
Frehley was also known for his “smoking” guitar and stage effects while performing with KISS. Redferns
Posed group portrait of KISS members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley in full makeup and stage costumes.
The group, originally formed in New York City in 1973, is considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Redferns
KISS took their final bow as a band with two back-to-back shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City in December 2024.

The performances were part of the group’s End of the Road World Tour, which featured OG members Simmons and Stanley, along with Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer on lead guitar and drums, respectively.

“We’re thrilled to be doing our final shows at MSG since the band originated in New York City over 50 years ago,” they shared in a statement at the time. “We are thankful for our long legacy of fans, the KISS Army, and excited to be celebrating through these activations.”

While Simmons and Stanley personally invited Frehley and Criss to join their final farewell tour in some capacity, both declined.