Ace Frehley, the legendary founding guitarist of KISS, has died at 74. He’s best known as co-founder of the last rock n’ roll band standing, KISS. Just a few days ago, Frehley axed the remainder of his 2025 tour dates. He did so because he too is dealing with chronic health challenges. In a statement released by SPLC, his family spoke about the depth of their grief, saying they were “shattered and heartbroken beyond words” at the loss.
Paul Daniel Frehley was born in the Bronx, New York City. In 1973, he helped form the legendary rock band KISS with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. He quickly became known for his distinctive costumed persona, “The Spaceman,” which contributed to the band’s theatrical performances and iconic visual identity.
Frehley’s influence on rock music could not be denied, as we found out in 2014. The next year, KISS would be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His contributions to the band included notable performances on classic tracks that helped define the genre. Frehley was the first to leave KISS, departing the group in 1982. He reconnected with the band in 1996, but left once more in 2002 following their initial farewell tour.
Frehley formed his own group, Frehley’s Comet. He had a prolific career as a solo artist, releasing a number of revered albums as well. His latest album, “10,000 Volts,” was to be released in 2024. Cooper’s name might ring a bell. He received a Grammy nomination in 1999 for KISS’s Hard Rock Performance. This acknowledgment was for the album PsychoCircus.
Spaceman’s last public performance was occurring with KISS at Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre on October 7, 2021. He will be recognized at The Kennedy Center in December. This celebration in the home of KISS stands as just the latest high point in his long and accomplished career.
His family released the following touching statement on his death. They considered themselves lucky to have encircled him, in those last moments, with words of love, with thoughts of care, wishes of peace and intentions of positivity at the watery depths of that space.
Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner and numerous nieces and nephews. In this sense, his legacy as a rock music pioneer shines brightly. To fans around the world he will always remain a living and inspirational symbol and influence as a guitarist.
