Kiss’ Ace Frehley Dies at 74

Ace Frehley, Kiss Guitarist, Dies at⁢ 74

Ace Frehley, the iconic lead guitarist of Kiss, has died at the age of 74. The news was‌ confirmed by Rolling Stone after ⁤Frehley recently sustained injuries from a fall at his‍ home, leading to the cancellation of his 2025 performances.

His family stated they were able to surround him with “loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and​ intentions” in his final moments, describing his passing as “of epic proportions.”

born Paul daniel Frehley in the bronx, he began playing guitar after ​receiving​ one as​ a Christmas gift.He joined Kiss in 1972 after⁤ answering an ad placed by⁣ Paul Stanley. Frehley was instrumental in shaping the band’s‌ sound with his riffs and ‌solos, and even‍ designed the Kiss logo.

Known for his⁢ on-stage persona, “Space Ace” or “the Spaceman,” Frehley’s performances were visually striking with smoke ⁢and lights emanating from his guitar. He ‌contributed to many of Kiss’s most famous albums, including their debut, Destroyer, and Alive!, and eventually sang ⁣lead vocals on “Shock Me” from Love⁤ Gun.

Frehley’s 1978 solo album was the most triumphant of the four Kiss members’ individual releases, featuring the hit “New York Groove.” He​ left Kiss in 1982 due to creative differences, continuing a solo career and recording with Frehley’s Comet. His most recent‌ album, 10,000 Volts, was released in 2023.

He reunited with⁤ the original Kiss lineup ⁣from 1995-2002, appearing on the Psycho Circus album. Frehley⁣ also released his‌ autobiography, No Regrets: A Rock’n’Roll Memoir, in 2001 ⁣and was inducted ​into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the original Kiss‌ members in 2014.

Posthumously, Frehley will be honored with a Kennedy Center Honour this December, becoming only ⁤the third person to receive the award after their death.