Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss, has passed away at the age of 74. Known for captivating audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar performances, Frehley died peacefully on Thursday, surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey. His passing followed a recent fall, according to his agent.
Family members released a statement expressing that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.
Kiss, famous for hits such as “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City,” gained worldwide recognition for their theatrical stage shows. Their performances featured fireworks, smoking instruments, and even fake blood spewing from the mouths of band members dressed in body armor, platform boots, wigs, and their signature black-and-white face paint.
Each member of Kiss adopted a distinctive persona inspired by comic book-style characters. Ace Frehley was famously known as “Space Ace” and the “Spaceman.”
The band enjoyed immense popularity, especially during the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and licensing their iconic look to numerous products. In 2014, Frehley and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their legacy in rock history.
Ace Frehley’s death marks the first loss among the four founding members of Kiss, which also includes singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/16/ace-frehley-obit/
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