Ace Frehley, Original Kiss Guitarist, Dies at 74/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist and founding member of Kiss, has died at 74 after complications from a recent fall. Known for his “Spaceman” persona, smoking guitars, and signature makeup, Frehley was a key figure in Kiss’s meteoric rise during the 1970s. He passed peacefully in New Jersey surrounded by family.
Keyphrase + Quick Looks: Ace Frehley Kiss Guitarist Death Quick Looks
- Ace Frehley, Kiss founding guitarist, dies at age 74
- Died peacefully in Morristown, NJ after a recent fall
- Known for his “Spaceman” persona and onstage pyrotechnics
- Frehley was the first founding Kiss member to pass away
- Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014
- Famously clashed with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley
- Continued to perform solo and briefly reunited with Kiss in the 1990s
Deep Look
Kiss Founding Guitarist Ace Frehley Dies at 74, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Rock
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Ace Frehley, the trailblazing guitarist and original “Spaceman” of Kiss, died Thursday at the age of 74, leaving behind a cosmic legacy of theatrical rock and guitar wizardry. Frehley passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following complications from a recent fall, his agent confirmed.
Fans around the world are mourning the loss of one of glam rock’s most influential musicians. Known for his explosive solos, glowing guitars, and silver space-themed persona, Frehley helped launch Kiss into stardom during the 1970s, forever altering the rock scene with a mix of musical grit and stage spectacle.
“Space Ace” Blasted Through Rock’s Stratosphere
Born Paul Daniel Frehley, the Bronx native began playing guitar at 13 and was immersed in music from an early age. By the time he co-founded Kiss in 1973, Frehley had already made his mark on New York City’s local rock circuit — and even worked as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix at age 18.
As Kiss rose to fame with hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Beth,” Frehley stood out with his cosmic makeup, custom guitars that smoked, lit up, and fired rockets, and a gritty, blues-infused playing style that gave the band its edge.
Kiss’s original lineup — Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss — became one of the most recognizable bands of the 1970s, blending hard rock with comic-book theatrics. Frehley was dubbed “The Spaceman”, and embraced his futuristic persona both on and off stage.
“Ace was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during the band’s most formative chapters,” Simmons and Stanley said in a joint tribute. “He is and will always be a part of Kiss’s legacy.”
Tensions, Breakups, and a Triumphant Return
Despite their success, Frehley often clashed with bandmates over creative and personal differences. He left Kiss in 1982 after struggling with substance abuse and friction over the band’s direction during its “unmasked” years.
Though Kiss nearly replaced him with Eddie Van Halen, it was Vinnie Vincent who officially took his place.
Frehley went on to form Frehley’s Comet and enjoyed a moderately successful solo career. But it was the mid-1990s reunion — complete with original makeup and costumes — that brought Frehley back into the Kiss fold. The band’s resurgence was fueled by renewed fan interest and homage from bands like Nirvana, Weezer, and the Melvins.
He would depart again in 2002, and although the original four members were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, internal disputes prevented a live performance at the ceremony. Simmons and Stanley pushed back against honoring Frehley and Criss exclusively, calling the face paint a privilege to be “earned.”
Lasting Influence on Rock, Metal, and Beyond
Frehley’s legacy reaches far beyond Kiss’s makeup-clad heyday. He is considered a foundational influence on 1980s glam metal bands like Mötley Crüe and Poison, as well as heavier groups including Metallica and Pantera.
Bret Michaels, frontman of Poison, paid tribute on Instagram: “Ace, my brother — thank you for the years of great music, the festivals we shared, and your iconic solo on ‘Nothing But a Good Time.’”
Even Garth Brooks, the country superstar, once recorded a Kiss song alongside the band, showcasing Frehley’s wide-ranging influence.
Business Moves and Final Appearances
In recent years, Kiss continued to build on their brand empire. In 2024, the band sold their catalog and brand rights to Pophouse Entertainment Group for over $300 million. Frehley had appeared sporadically for special events and shows, but was not part of the group’s final full tour.
Their 2023 farewell concert at Madison Square Garden marked the symbolic end of an era. While Simmons and Stanley have ruled out future tours, they remain open to one-off performances and continue to promote Kiss memorabilia.
President Donald Trump, as chairman of the Kennedy Center, had recently honored Kiss for their contributions to American music — a fitting final accolade for a band that revolutionized rock theatrics and merchandising.
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