Fans Heartbroken as KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley Dies Suddenly

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the legendary rock band KISS, has passed away at the age of 74. His family confirmed that he died peacefully on October 16, 2025, in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by loved ones. 

Frehley had suffered a brain bleed after a fall in his studio a couple of weeks prior. Initially placed on life support, his condition did not improve, leading to the decision to remove him from the ventilator. 

Remembering the ‘Spaceman’

Known for his “Spaceman” persona, complete with silver star makeup and pyrotechnic guitar solos, Frehley was instrumental in shaping KISS’s image and sound. He played on many of the band’s most celebrated albums, including their debut, Destroyer, and Alive!. 

Despite leaving the band in 1982, Frehley returned for the 1996 reunion tour and contributed to their 1998 album Psycho Circus. He also had a successful solo career, with his band Frehley’s Comet and hits like “New York Groove”. 

Tributes from Bandmates

KISS co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley expressed their devastation over Frehley’s passing. In a joint statement, they called him an “irreplaceable rock soldier” and emphasized his foundational role in the band’s history. 

Frehley’s fellow original member, Peter Criss, who was with him at his passing, remembered him as a beloved brother whose musical influence touched millions. 

Legacy Lives On

Frehley’s impact on rock music and KISS’s legacy remains profound. He is set to be honored posthumously with a Kennedy Center Honor in December 2025, becoming the third person to receive the recognition after death. 

Fans and fellow musicians alike continue to celebrate his contributions to music, ensuring that the “Spaceman’s” legacy will live on for generations to come.