We are deeply saddened to report that Ace Frehley, the original guitarist and founding member of the legendary band KISS, has passed away. According to Variety, Frehley died following injuries he sustained during a fall that initially resulted in the cancellation of the remaining dates of his fall tour. His family confirmed his passing with the following statement:
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able 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!”
Confusion initially spread across the internet after Alternative Nation reported rumors of Frehley’s death, as social media posts from journalist Mitch Lafon and Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle) began paying tribute to the late 74-year-old guitarist. Not long after, TMZ reported that Frehley had been hospitalized following a brain bleed caused by the recent fall he had in the studio. He had reportedly been on a ventilator for some time and was not showing signs of improvement, leading his family to consider removing him from life support. Now, with an official statement from his family, the heartbreaking truth has been confirmed: the legendary Spaceman has passed away.
Born in 1951 and raised in the Bronx, New York, Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley discovered music at an early age through his family. He eventually taught himself to play guitar, inspired by artists like Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones. In 1973, Frehley became one of the four founding members of KISS, alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. The band revolutionized rock music with their groundbreaking theatrics, shocking visuals, and larger-than-life performances, solidifying their place as icons of heavy music.
Frehley created his alter ego, The Spaceman (Space Ace), donning silver metallic makeup, an interstellar suit, and towering platform boots. Whether during his time with KISS, from 1973 until his initial departure in 1982, and again from 1996 until 2002, or throughout his successful solo career with Frehley’s Comet and later under his own name, Ace’s performances became legendary. His “smoking guitar” and electrifying stage effects became synonymous with his persona, forever immortalizing him as one of rock’s most innovative guitarists.
Frehley had been working on Origins Vol. 3, the follow-up to his 2016 and 2020 cover collections, and his last solo album, 10,000 Volts, was released in 2024. That album was followed by a tour reviewed by Metal Insider’s Ian Weber, whose piece now stands as one of the final live reviews of the Spaceman in action during his last few years.
While the future once seemed bright, this news is nothing short of devastating. 2025 has already proven to be a difficult year. What Ian Weber wrote on Frehley’s performance in April 2024, says it all:
“Although it was cool seeing Ace celebrate his musical history with Kiss, it would have been cooler to see him honor his latter-day solo albums, to hear something from Space Invader or his earlier solo work for those who have supported Ace since 1987. There’s always next time. You can say whatever you want about Ace’s holographic, freestyle way of performance, but he has dazzled generations of like-minded rock fans, and that’s a good thing. Ace sent the die-hards and newcomers home satisfied with Rock and Roll All Night. New York wanted the best, and we got it. The one true, cool blue spaceman, ACE FREHLEY!”
Frehley’s label, MNRK, issued the following formal statement following his tragic passing:
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the devoted community of fans who have stood faithfully by his side through every era of his career,” says MNRK President and CEO Sean Stevenson.
We at MNRK Music Group are deeply honored to have worked alongside Ace and to have been his label home since 2014. His creativity, humor, and passion for music will remain an enduring part of MNRK’s story.”
Our thoughts are with Ace Frehley’s family, friends, and fans during this tragic time.
Update: KISS paying tribute to the late Ace Frehley:
Ace Frehley’s Social Media account issued the following statement:
“ATTENTION:“Ace Frehley, GRAMMY® Award nominated and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted rock guitarist; and iconic founding member of KISS, died today at age 74. Frehley passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall at his home.Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, nieces Suncere Frehley and Julie Salvner, nephews Sky Frehley and Andrew Salvner, sister-in-law Michelanne and brother-in-law Ron Salvner.”
Rest in peace, Spaceman“
Paul Stanley:
“I remember 1974 being in my room at the Hyatt on Sunset in LA and I heard someone playing deep and fiery guitar in the room next door. I thought “Boy, I wish THAT guy was in the band!” I looked over the balcony… He was. It was Ace. This is my favorite photo of us…”
Gene Simmons:
“Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”
Peter Criss:
“With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well. I love you my brother. My love and prayers go out to Jeanette, Monique, Charlie and Nancy and all of Ace’s extended family, bandmates, fans and friends. May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time. As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in Ace’s solo career, Ace influenced and touch the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army. At this time I ask all of you to please be respectful to Ace’s family and allow them to grieve privately. To the KISS Army and Ace’s Rock Soldiers, my heart is with you all… Broken…
God Bless,Peter Criss
Ace Frehley 1951-2025“
KISS:
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
