Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley Lead Emotional Tributes as KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley Dies Aged 74

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have expressed their devastation following the death of former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, who passed away aged 74 after suffering a brain bleed that left him on life support.

Frehley — one of the original founding members of the legendary rock band — was hospitalised after collapsing in his home studio a few weeks ago. According to reports, he sustained a head injury during the fall, which triggered a critical medical emergency. He was eventually taken off life support by his family on Thursday.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Simmons and Stanley described Frehley as “an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier” who played a pivotal role in the formative years of KISS.

“I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” the statement read. “He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative and foundational chapters of the band’s history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”

A Founding Member and Iconic ‘Spaceman’

KISS was formed in 1973 in New York City by Simmons, Stanley, Frehley and Peter Criss. Known for his electrifying guitar work and the creation of his on-stage persona The Spaceman, Frehley helped shape the band’s theatrical identity with elaborate costumes, glowing and smoke-emitting guitars, and explosive pyrotechnics.

He remained with KISS until 1982 before launching his solo project, Frehley’s Comet. In 1996, he reunited with the band for their blockbuster reunion tour but departed once again in 2002.

Frehley’s influence was instrumental in creating some of the band’s greatest hits, including Rock and Roll All Nite, I Was Made for Lovin’ You, and Detroit Rock City. He was also a successful solo artist, releasing eight studio albums such as Trouble Walkin’ (1989), Space Invader (2014), and Origins Vol. 2 (2020).

An Outpouring of Tributes

Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Bret Michaels, frontman of Poison, shared a photo with Frehley, writing:

“Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time. All my love and respect — may you rest in peace.”

Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine called Frehley his “first guitar hero,” while Tool’s MJ Keenan simply wrote: “Godspeed, Ace.”

The Hollywood Walk of Fame confirmed flowers would be placed on Frehley’s star on 16 October in his honour. The Kennedy Center also issued a statement mourning the loss of “one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honourees”, pledging to celebrate his legacy at its upcoming December ceremony.

A Legacy That Inspired Generations

Frehley’s influence extended far beyond his own music. Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready recalled that Ace’s guitar work inspired him to pick up the instrument as a child.

“I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence,” McCready wrote. “Ace jammed on Black Diamond with Pearl Jam at Madison Square Garden — a dream come true for me.”

In a 2024 interview, Frehley reflected on his career with pride, noting that most guitarists he met credited him as their inspiration to play.

“That’s going to be my legacy — that I was able to make the transition from a supergroup like KISS to being a successful solo artist.”

Final Days and Farewell

In the weeks leading up to his passing, Frehley had cancelled the remainder of his 2025 tour dates due to ongoing medical issues. His final Instagram post in September assured fans he was “fine”, though doctors had advised him not to travel.

His family released a heartfelt statement after his death:

“We are completely devastated and heartbroken by his passing, but relieved we were able to provide him with comfort at the end. In his last moments, we surrounded him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.”

Frehley is the first of KISS’s original line-up to pass away. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. His unparalleled contribution to rock music, flamboyant performances, and unforgettable guitar solos leave behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.