KISS legend and founding guitarist Ace Frehley dies aged 74

Ace Frehley, a founding member of Kiss and the band’s original lead guitarist, has died at 74.

He died peacefully in Morristown, New Jersey, with his family by his side, his agent said.

He had recently suffered a fall.

In a statement, the rocker’s family said they were "utterly devastated and heartbroken".

Born in New York, Frehley was Kiss’s guitarist when they formed in 1973. 

The other members were Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss.

Like his bandmates, Frehley adopted a comic book–style persona on stage (he was known as "Spaceman") and wowed audiences with elaborate makeup and a smoke-spewing guitar.

The band’s concerts were renowned for fireworks, smoke, and gushes of fake blood, while the members wore platform boots, black wigs, and—of course—their iconic black-and-white face paint.

Hugely popular in the mid-1970s, Kiss’s hits include Rock And Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City.

They sold tens of millions of records and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

’Irreplaceable’

Frehley’s family said they would "cherish his greatest memories, his laughter, and honor the strength and kindness he shared with others".

Criss posted a brief tribute on X, expressing his shock. He added: "My friend... I love you!". A photograph of Frehley, smiling in his "Spaceman" makeup, accompanied the message.

I’m shocked!!!
My friend... I love you!#KissArmy #AceFrehley #Kiss#Spaceman

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— Peter Criss (@RealPeterCriss) October 16, 2025

Meanwhile, Stanley and Simmons described him as an "essential and irreplaceable rock soldier".

Paying tribute, the pair said they were "devastated" by his passing.

Frehley first left Kiss in 1982, returned for a reunion tour in 1996, and stayed until 2002. He also released several solo albums.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, and his daughter, Monique.