The music world mourns the loss of Ace Frehley, the legendary original lead guitarist and co-founder of the iconic band Kiss. Known for his electrifying stage presence and signature white-and-silver ‘Spaceman’ face makeup, Frehley rocked millions of fans across two distinct periods with the band, from 1973 to 1982 and again from 1996 to 2002. He passed away on Thursday in Morristown, N.J., at the age of 74.
His family confirmed that his passing was due to a recent fall at his home.
A showman through and through, much like his bandmates in Kiss, Frehley captivated audiences with his guitars engineered for explosive pyrotechnic effects. His unique stage persona, ‘The Spaceman’ or ‘Space Ace,’ was instantly recognizable thanks to the striking silver stars adorning his face. Interestingly, he also had a hand in designing the band’s iconic logo, collaborating with fellow guitarist Paul Stanley.
Alongside Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss, Frehley was rightfully inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing his legacy in music history.
In a 2024 interview with Antihero, Frehley proudly stated, “Out of the four founding members of Kiss, I definitely have been the most successful solo artist.” This claim was largely supported by the enduring popularity of his 1978 solo hit, “New York Groove,” a quintessential glam-rock anthem. Beyond Kiss, his solo endeavors also included leading the band Frehley’s Comet.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley in the Bronx on April 27, 1951, he picked up the guitar at just 13 years old. The nickname ‘Ace’ was bestowed upon him at 16 by a bandmate, a nod to his knack for arranging appealing dates. Later, as Kiss began to take shape, he adopted ‘Ace’ full-time to distinguish himself from Paul Stanley.
Throughout his initial run with Kiss, the band achieved immense success, releasing 11 albums (both studio and live recordings) that collectively earned gold or platinum certification in the United States.
Ace Frehley is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanette; his daughter, Monique; his brother, Charles; and his sister, Nancy Salvner.
A more comprehensive obituary is expected to be released shortly.