Ace Frehley, the lead guitarist and co-founder of the band Kiss, died Thursday in Morristown, New Jersey, at the age of 74. The musician died from injuries sustained after falling in his recording studio last month, his family said.
The artist died at the age of 74 PHOTO Ace Frehley / Facebook
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” Frehley’s family said. “In his final moments, we were fortunate to be able to surround him with words, thoughts, prayers, and intentions of love, care, and peace as he left this world. We cherish all the beautiful memories, his laughter, and celebrate the strength and kindness he gave to others. The magnitude of his loss is epic and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible accomplishments in life, Ace’s memory will continue to live forever!”the family said in a statement.
Frehley fell in his recording studio and hit his head in late September. He was hospitalized for several weeks and connected to machines after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. The accident forced him to cancel a concert in California. A few days later, his team posted on social media that they were canceling the rest of the 2025 tournament, citing “some health problems”reports News.ro.
An inspiration to guitarists from Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello to Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, Ace Frehley added a dose of bluesy riffs to Kiss’ theatrical and energetic style. He also got involved in the band’s pyrotechnic effects, launching smoke and lasers from his Gibson Les Paul guitars. Occasionally, he also sang with his voice.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley in New York City in 1951, he co-founded Kiss in 1973 with lead singer Paul Stanley, bassist and occasional vocalist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss.
The band quickly became famous for their black and white make-up and leather suits, inspired by the New York Dolls and Alice Cooper. Each member had a different personality, with Frehley being Spaceman (or “Space Ace”), Simmons Demon, Stanley Starchild and Criss Catman. The band members’ faces were not revealed for more than a decade. Meanwhile, Frehley had left Kiss to pursue a solo career in 1982.
Frehley rejoined Kiss when the original band members reunited in 1996 for a highly successful reunion tour and remained until 2002.
