Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and founding member of KISS, has passed away at the age of 74. Known for his iconic “Spaceman” persona and electrifying guitar work, Frehley left an indelible mark on rock music, both with KISS and as a solo artist with hits like “New York Groove.”
Frehley’s family shared the news on Thursday, Oct. 16, confirming that he died earlier that day in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall at his home. Their statement read:
“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,” the statement read. “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!“
TMZ had previously reported that Frehley was on life support after suffering a brain bleed from a fall several weeks ago. He had shared news of the accident on Instagram on Sept. 25, describing it as “minor” and saying he was “fine,” though he had to cancel a scheduled performance in Lancaster, California, per his doctor’s orders. Later, on Oct. 6, he canceled the remainder of his 2025 tour due to ongoing medical issues.
Born Paul Frehley in the Bronx, New York, he co-founded KISS in 1973 and quickly became famous for his signature makeup and “Spaceman” persona. After leaving the band in 1982, Frehley enjoyed a successful solo career, forming Frehley’s Comet and releasing multiple albums. His 1978 self-titled solo debut went platinum, and in 2014, with Space Invader, he became the only KISS member to reach the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 with a solo album. Songs like “Rip It Out” and his cover of “New York Groove” remain fan favorites, with the latter still celebrated at New York Mets home games.
Despite a sometimes tense relationship with former bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Frehley briefly reunited with KISS for a 1996 tour and last performed with the band on the KISS Kruise in 2018. During his 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with KISS, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine called Frehley his “first guitar hero,” while Simmons praised his playing as “imitated, but never duplicated.”
Frehley often reflected on his path in rock music, once saying:
“I’ve always been a fatalist and believed in fate. When I was 16 years old, I was convinced I was going to be a rock star. Nobody could change my mind,” he said in a 2018 interview at Musicians Institute, per Blabbermouth. “Somebody said to me in an interview, ‘What would have happened if KISS failed?‘ I said, ‘I would have been famous with another band.‘ Nothing was going to stop me.”
He credited his daughter Monique with inspiring him to get sober in 2006, after realizing she was concerned about his lifestyle. Frehley said, “That evening, I called my sponsor and he took me to an AA meeting, and I’ve been sober ever since.”
In 2024, Frehley reflected on his legacy, noting that countless guitar players told him he inspired them to pick up the instrument. He said, “That’s going to be pretty much my legacy, that I was able to make the transition from a supergroup like KISS to being a successful solo artist.”
Ace Frehley is survived by his wife, Jeanette, his daughter, Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, and an extended family of nieces, nephews, and loved ones. His music, stage presence, and influence will continue to inspire generations of rock fans around the world.
