Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and one of the founding members of KISS, has died at the age of 74. He passed away in Morristown, New Jersey, following complications from a fall at his home. His family shared that he was surrounded by loved ones and described his passing as both sudden and monumental.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley in the Bronx in 1951, he joined forces with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss in 1973 to form one of rock’s most theatrical and influential bands. Known to fans as “The Spaceman,” Frehley helped shape the group’s sound and visual identity, designing their lightning-bolt logo and performing with his trademark silver star makeup and smoking, pyrotechnic guitar solos.
During his time with KISS, Frehley contributed some of the band’s most iconic guitar work, including on hits like “Shock Me” and “Detroit Rock City.” In 1978, when each member released a solo album, his became the most successful, featuring his hit single “New York Groove.”
Frehley left KISS in 1982 as creative tensions grew but found continued success with his solo projects, including his band Frehley’s Comet. He returned to KISS in 1996 for their highly anticipated reunion tour and remained with the group through the late 1990s.
In recent years, Frehley had been touring and recording new music but had canceled remaining 2025 tour dates due to health concerns after a fall. His death marks the first loss among KISS’s original lineup.
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons paid tribute to their longtime bandmate, calling him a trailblazer who helped define the sound and spirit of KISS. Frehley is survived by his wife, Jeanette, and his daughter, Monique. His legacy as one of rock’s great guitar heroes and showmen will endure for generations.
