Legendary Guitarist Dies At 74

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of rock band Kiss, has passed away.

He was 74.

“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth,” his family said in a statement, according to NBC News.

“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!” the statement added.

Ace Frehley, the wild Spaceman of Kiss who played guitar in the band throughout their Seventies heyday and again during the reunion period in the Nineties and inspired an entire generation of musicians, has died at age 74.

More on his life and legacy: https://t.co/8EKMz8SVtM pic.twitter.com/r12zYUTMOY

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) October 16, 2025

NBC News has more:

Frehley — better known as “Space Ace” or “Spaceman” by devoted Kiss fans — had recently fallen in his studio and was taken to the hospital, according to a post on Instagram on Sept. 25. His doctors advised him not to travel, and he canceled some tour dates that month, the post said.

Last week, Frehley canceled the rest of his 2025 tour dates “due to some ongoing medical issues,” according to his social media accounts.

Frehley, a Bronx native, is considered one of the greatest metal guitarists of all time.

He joined Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss to form Kiss in New York City in 1973. The group, known for daring black-and-white makeup, costumes and electrifying guitar solos, took the world by storm, sparking a metal fever with hits like “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” “Black Diamond,” “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Lick It Up.”

What started as a rock band turned into a cultural phenomenon and a legacy, widely regarded as one of the most influential music groups of all time.

Frehley’s cause of death was not disclosed.

Many people in the rock music world offered their condolences:

@ace_frehley 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, from my family and myself – may you rest in peace!!! #AceFrehley pic.twitter.com/Vb5IIPYPxu

— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) October 16, 2025

Ace Frehley was the embodiment of rock ’n’ roll attitude — unapologetic, loud, and irresistibly catchy. His riffs had swagger, his tone had bite, and his presence lit up stages like a supernova. The Spaceman has left the stage, but his orbit will shine forever. pic.twitter.com/TDyDvEVA9i

— Steve Vai (@stevevai) October 17, 2025

Ace Frehley, Eddie, Me in awe…
: Danny Clinch

I heard about Ace Frehley‘s passing from Rick Friel who I played with in a band called Shadow. Rick was also the first guy on the bus in 1977 with a KISS lunchbox to tell me about Ace…just changed my life. I got a guitar in 1978… pic.twitter.com/0oULzn0A5H

— Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) October 16, 2025

USA TODAY shared:

His initial tenure in the band ended in 1982, when Frehley embarked on a solo career with Frehley’s Comet.

Frehley’s onstage antics were as notable as Simmons’ fire breathing and Stanley zip lining over crowds. In his silver platform boots, Frehley would stand with his trademark Gibson Les Paul tilted upward, fireworks and smoke shooting from the guitar neck in a display of rock ‘n’ roll flamboyance previously unseen in live shows.

Though relations between Frehley and the remaining members of KISS were often fraught following his early ’80s departure, he rejoined the band in 1996 for a massive reunion tour. He remained in KISS until 2001, when he performed on what was then billed as the band’s farewell tour.

Frehley was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the other members of KISS in 2014.

The guitarist is the first original member of KISS to pass away. In 1991, drummer Eric Carr, who replaced Criss in 1980, died of heart cancer.

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