Ace Frehley, the co-founder and former guitarist of the iconic rock band Kiss, has died at the age of 74. His family confirmed the news in a statement to Variety, expressing their heartbreak at his passing. “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.
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The family added: “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.” According to TMZ, the musician suffered a brain bleed after a fall in his studio last month.
Frehley, affectionately known as the Spaceman or Space Ace, co-founded Kiss in 1973 alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss. He remained with the band until 1982 before launching his own group, Frehley’s Comet, and later embarking on a solo career. The New York-born guitarist reunited with Kiss for a successful reunion tour in 1996, delighting fans around the world.
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Concerns for his health first arose in September when Frehley announced he had suffered “a minor fall in his studio” that required hospital treatment, forcing him to cancel a performance in California. He later cancelled the remaining dates of his 2025 tour due to “ongoing medical issues”. Frehley’s passing marks the loss of one of rock’s most distinctive guitarists, remembered for his flamboyant performances, innovative sound, and lasting influence on generations of musicians.
