Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley, the original lead guitarist and co-founding member of the influential rock band Kiss, died at the age of 74, his family confirmed. The rock icon passed away following complications from a fall that resulted in a brain bleed.
Frehley first helped form Kiss in 1973, alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss. His self-taught shredding, cosmic stage persona (“The Spaceman”), and daring pyrotechnic guitar solos became cornerstones of Kiss’s larger-than-life image and are credited with influencing generations of guitarists.
In a joint statement, Simmons and Stanley said:
“We are devastated by Ace’s passing. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the band’s most formative chapters.”
Frehley left Kiss in 1982 to pursue a solo career, achieved a major hit with “New York Groove,” and later rejoined the band for a reunion tour. His legacy both on stage and off remains a landmark in rock history.
His family remarked:
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been surrounded by loving, caring, peaceful presence… Reflecting on all his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will live on forever.”
🎸 Why His Influence Endures
He pioneered a fusion of hard rock energy and theatrical spectacle, helping elevate Kiss into arena-rock superstardom.
As a guitarist, his melodic solos and signature tone inspired artists across genres, from thrash metal to punk to modern hard rock.
His “Spaceman” identity — star-painted face and explosive stage gear — remains one of the most iconic visual personas in rock music.
🕯️ Final Years & Health Struggles
In late September 2025, Frehley suffered a fall in his studio that led to a brain haemorrhage. He cancelled the remainder of his tour dates amid ongoing medical issues and was placed on life support. EW.com His death marks the first loss among the original Kiss lineup and closes a definitive chapter in rock history.
