Ace Frehley, Kiss’ Original Guitarist and Founding Member, Dies at 74

 

Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and one of the founding members of the rock band Kiss, has died at the age of 74. His agent confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his home in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by his family. The cause of death was linked to complications from a recent fall.

Frehley’s family released a short statement saying they were “heartbroken and devastated” by the loss. They said they would remember his laughter and the kindness he shared with everyone around him.

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A Key Part of Kiss’ Legacy

Ace Frehley was the original lead guitarist for Kiss, one of the most iconic rock bands in history. He helped shape the band’s unique sound and image. Known for his space-themed stage persona, he was often called “Space Ace” or “The Spaceman.”

Kiss became famous for their dramatic live performances. Their concerts featured fire, smoke, fake blood, and band members in black-and-white face paint, platform boots, and heavy costumes. Frehley’s act was unforgettable — his guitar would glow, shoot rockets, and even release smoke during solos. Fans loved his energy and creativity on stage.

Bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley expressed deep sadness at his passing. In a joint statement, they said, “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most important chapters of the band’s history. He will always be a part of Kiss’s legacy.”

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Early Life and Rise to Fame

Born Paul Daniel Frehley in the Bronx, New York, Ace grew up in a musical family. He got his first guitar at 13 and was deeply influenced by blues and early rock artists. Before joining Kiss, he played in small local bands around New York City.

At 18, he worked as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix, which inspired him to pursue music seriously. His raw style and love for experimentation made him stand out.

In 1973, he co-founded Kiss with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. The group quickly became known for its loud rock sound and over-the-top stage presence. Their songs like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” became global hits.

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Kiss and Commercial Success

During the mid-1970s, Kiss dominated rock music. They sold tens of millions of albums and built one of the strongest fan bases in the world. Their song “Beth” reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976, marking their biggest commercial hit in the U.S.

Kiss was not just a band — it was a brand. They licensed their signature look on everything from comic books to lunch boxes, becoming a marketing phenomenon. Their music and image helped shape the rock culture of that era.

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Creative Disputes and Solo Career

Despite their success, Frehley often clashed with Simmons and Stanley over the band’s direction. He left Kiss in 1982 as tensions grew. During the years he was away, the band removed their makeup and experimented with different styles, but results were mixed.

Ace focused on his solo projects, launching his own group called Frehley’s Comet. His solo work was praised for its raw energy and signature guitar riffs. Still, fans continued to associate him with Kiss’s original lineup.

In the mid-1990s, Frehley reunited with the original members of Kiss for a massive world tour. The reunion was a hit, drawing huge crowds and reviving their classic image. But by 2002, Ace left the band again, saying he wanted to focus on his own music.

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Hall of Fame and Lasting Influence

In 2014, Kiss was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. However, the moment was clouded by disagreements among the band members. They canceled a planned performance after arguments about which lineup should appear.

That same year, Gene Simmons said that Ace and drummer Peter Criss “no longer deserve to wear the paint,” claiming the band’s look should represent its current members. The comment reignited old tensions between them.

Still, Frehley’s impact on music cannot be denied. His work influenced countless artists in rock and metal. Bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, Metallica, and Pantera cited him as an inspiration.

Poison frontman Bret Michaels wrote on Instagram, “Ace, my brother, thank you for the years of great music, the many festivals we shared, and your amazing lead guitar on ‘Nothing But a Good Time.’”

Even country star Garth Brooks once joined Kiss for a recording of “Hard Luck Woman,” showing how far their influence reached.

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A Lasting Legacy

Ace Frehley will always be remembered as a true rock legend. His guitar work, his showmanship, and his larger-than-life persona helped define an entire generation of rock music. He wasn’t just a musician — he was a performer who made fans believe that rock could be both wild and creative.

In 2024, Kiss sold their entire catalog and brand rights to Sweden’s Pophouse Entertainment Group in a deal worth more than $300 million. The band’s name and image continue to generate global recognition, a lasting symbol of their impact — and Ace’s contribution remains at the heart of it.

Frehley’s influence will live on through the riffs he played, the fire he brought to every stage, and the countless musicians who followed in his footsteps. He may be gone, but his music, his face paint, and his spirit will forever shine in rock history.