Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of Kiss, has died at the age of 74.
The iconic musician, who inspired generations of rock guitarists and performed on Kiss’s first nine albums, passed away Thursday in a New Jersey hospital after suffering injuries from a fall, according to a statement from his family.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” the family shared. “In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth. 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.”
Born Paul Daniel Frehley in New York City in 1951, he co-founded Kiss in 1973 with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. Together, they created one of the most iconic rock acts in history.
Stanley and Simmons shared their grief in a joint statement, calling Frehley “an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history.” They added that he “will always be a part of Kiss’s legacy.” Criss simply wrote on X, “I’m shocked!!! My friend … I love you!”
Frehley reportedly fell in his recording studio in late September, hitting his head and suffering a brain bleed. He was hospitalized for several weeks and placed on life support. His injuries forced him to cancel upcoming performances, including his 2025 tour.
When Kiss released their self-titled debut album in 1974, critics were lukewarm, but the band quickly exploded in popularity. Their black-and-white makeup, leather costumes, and wild live performances made them rock icons. Each member embraced a stage persona: Frehley became the Spaceman, Simmons the Demon, Stanley the Starchild, and Criss the Catman.
Frehley was famous for his smoke-spewing Les Paul guitar and his raw, untrained style. “I’m an anomaly, I’m an un-schooled musician. I don’t know how to read music, but I’m one of the most famous guitar players in the world, so go figure,” he said in a 2009 interview.
In 1978, each member released a solo album, and Frehley’s was the top seller. His cover of “New York Groove” became a hit and remains one of his signature songs. But behind the success, Frehley struggled with substance abuse and creative differences within the band. He left Kiss in 1982, saying later, “I was mixed up. I believed that if I stayed in that group, I would have killed myself.”
Frehley went on to form Frehley’s Comet in 1984 and released solo work under his own name, including the album Trouble Walkin’ in 1989. In 1996, he reunited with the original Kiss lineup for a massive reunion tour, staying until 2002. Though he didn’t join Kiss for their farewell tour in 2022–2023, his influence remained central to the band’s legacy.
In later years, his relationship with Gene Simmons grew tense, with public exchanges over his past struggles. Frehley defended his sobriety and made it clear he had left the band on his own terms.
Tributes poured in following news of his death. Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready credited Frehley with inspiring him to pick up the guitar, saying, “Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly over the years. Playing with him at Madison Square Garden was a dream come true. I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and Kiss’s influence.”
Poison frontman Bret Michaels also honored him, writing, “Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time. All my love and respect, from my family and myself – may you rest in peace.”
Ace Frehley is survived by his wife, Jeanette, and his daughter, Monique. His legacy as one of rock’s most electrifying guitarists will continue to echo for generations.