The rock world is mourning the loss of legendary Kiss guitarist and co-founder Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley, who has died at the age of 74. Frehley, known as the band’s “Space Ace,” passed away following injuries from a fall last month, his family confirmed.
Gene Simmons, Mike McCready, and more mourn the loss of Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley
Ace Frehley’s family shared, “We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth… Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever.”
His former Kiss bandmates, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, also expressed their grief, calling Frehley an “irreplaceable rock soldier.” Their joint statement read, “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” the statement reads in part. “He is and will always be a part of Kiss’ legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world” (via Variety).
Furthermore, tributes poured in from across the music world. Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready shared how Frehley inspired his own musical journey. “Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly over the years. I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and Kiss’s influence. RIP it out Ace, you changed my life. Thank you.” Rick Springfield also paid homage, writing, “So sad to hear of the mighty Ace’s tragic passing. Love and healing to his family and his many fans worldwide.”
Ace Frehley helped define Kiss’s sound and image since joining cofounders Stanley, Simmons, and Peter Criss in 1972. With his blazing guitar solos, “Space Ace” persona, and explosive stage charisma, he became a cornerstone of the band’s success.
Frehley left the group in 1982 to pursue a solo career but rejoined in 1996 for a massive reunion tour before departing again in 2002. His 1978 solo album, featuring the hit “New York Groove,” remains one of Kiss fans’ all-time favorites.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.
