Ace Frehley, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and founding member of glam rock legends KISS, has passed away at the age of 74, as confirmed by his family today, October 17 (PH Time).
The musician was previously hospitalized and placed on life support after suffering a brain bleed from a fall in his recording studio. This led to the cancellation of the remainder of his 2025 tour dates. He was surrounded by his family in Morristown, New Jersey, when he passed away.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to surround him with loving, caring, and peaceful words, thoughts, prayers, and intentions as he left this earth,” shared in a statement from the musician’s family. “Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
Frehley was one of the founding members of the band, alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. The band is known for its iconic hits such as “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” and “Rock and Roll All Nite,” which continue to appear in films and television.
Additionally, the band became famous for their theatrical stage performances — heavily featuring fire, fake blood, and costumes complete with armor, platform boots, wigs, and their signature black-and-white face paint. The members also adopted comic book–style personas, with Frehley known as “The Spaceman” or “Space Ace.”
The original lineup consisted of Frehley on lead guitar, Stanley on vocals and rhythm guitar, Simmons on bass, and Criss on drums. Frehley is the first of the founding members to pass away.
Longtime bandmates Simmons and Stanley wrote in a statement, “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of Kiss’ legacy. Our thoughts are with [wife] Jeanette, [daughter] Monique, and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Known for his showmanship, Frehley often incorporated pyrotechnics into his guitar solos, with his instrument glowing, smoking, and even launching rockets during live performances. While with KISS, each of the four original members released a solo album in 1978. Frehley’s self-titled record featured his hit single “New York Groove,” a cover of the 1975 song originally recorded by the British glam rock band Hello.
Listen to more of Frehley’s solo work during and post-KISS below: