Ace Frehley, Kiss’s Original Guitarist, Dies at 74
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Kiss, has died at the age of 74. The musician passed away peacefully in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by family, according to his representative. Frehley had recently suffered a fall, and his family said they were “completely devastated and heartbroken” by the loss.
Born in New York, Frehley helped shape the sound and image of Kiss from the moment the band formed in 1973. Alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss, Frehley brought a cosmic flair to the stage that became one of rock’s most enduring visual identities. He adopted the onstage persona “Spaceman,” complete with makeup, theatrical lighting, and a smoky, otherworldly presence that captivated audiences around the world.
Credit for Kiss’s meteoric rise in the 1970s often centers on their high-energy performances, elaborate stagecraft, and a distinctive look: black-and-white face paint, platform boots, and wild costumes. Frehley’s guitar work, combined with the band’s message of rebellion and theatrical storytelling, helped propel hits such as Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City into rock folklore. The band’s influence extends beyond music, seeding generations of fans with a lasting love of performance art and comic-book-style bravura.
In a career that spanned decades, Frehley left Kiss in 1982, pursuing solo projects before rejoining for a celebrated reunion tour in 1996. He continued to perform and release music through the years, maintaining a dedicated following that bridged classic rock appeal with a modern sensibility for many listeners. The guitarist’s resilience and artistry were evident in his continued dedication to his craft, even as rock and roll trends evolved around him.
Tributes from bandmates and peers have poured in. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons described Frehley as an “essential and irreplaceable rock soldier” and said they were “devastated” by the news. Peter Criss, who shared stage duties with Frehley in the band’s early years, offered a heartfelt, simple tribute on social media, calling Frehley a friend and expressing love for him. A recent photograph showing Frehley smiling in his Spaceman makeup accompanied Criss’s message, underscoring the enduring image of a performer who helped define a generation.
Hip to the band’s enduring legacy, Kiss’s influence continues to resonate with new generations of rock fans. The group’s Rock Hall of Fame induction in 2014 stands as a testament to their lasting impact on popular music and stagecraft. Frehley’s passing prompts reflection on the era that helped shape hard rock’s visual vocabulary as much as its sound, leaving behind a catalog of songs and performances that remain touchstones for fans and musicians alike.
On a personal note, Frehley is survived by his wife, Jeanette, and daughter, Monique. Family statements highlighted the guitarist’s kindness, humor, and the many memories they will cherish. As fans remember Frehley’s contributions to Kiss and his expansive career, the music world pauses to honor a founder whose star helped illuminate the band’s cosmic journey.
What this means for Kiss and rock history
Frehley’s death marks a solemn moment in rock history, inviting fans to revisit the era when Kiss defined a live spectacle and a sense of theatrical rebellion. While lineups between the group members evolved over the years, the core identity Frehley helped create remains a benchmark for rock performance storytelling. In the wake of his passing, musicians, critics, and fans alike may look back on his fretwork and stage persona as a defining contribution to rock’s enduring mythology.
