Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band KISS, who captivated audiences with his elaborate galactic makeup and smoking guitar, died Thursday. He was 74.
Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall, according to his agent.
Family members expressed in a statement their devastation and heartbreak, while commemorating his laughter and generosity towards others.
KISS, celebrated for hits such as “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You”, was renowned for its theatrical stage performances featuring fire, fake blood, and band members donned in body armor and platform boots with signature makeup.
The original lineup also included singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss. Frehley’s passing marks the first loss among these founding members.
Frehley, known as “Space Ace”, often showcased innovative pyrotechnics during performances, which mesmerized fans. His undeniable impact on rock music is echoed by his bandmates’ statement: “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” Simmons and Stanley asserted. “He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during our formative years and will always be part of KISS’s legacy.”
Born Paul Daniel Frehley in the Bronx, he began playing guitar at age 13 and played in various local bands before joining KISS at a pivotal moment in rock history. The band became a monumental force, especially in the mid-1970s, selling millions of albums.
Frehley occasionally rejoined KISS for special events after leaving in 1982 and participated in the band’s celebrated reunion in the mid-1990s. His contributions to the glam rock genre influenced many bands, and his artistry is commemorated by peers such as Bret Michaels of Poison, who reverently acknowledged Frehley’s influence and their shared history in rock music.
As KISS evolves, Frehley’s spirit and legacy remain vibrant in the hearts of admirers and fellow musicians worldwide.
