Ace Frehley Obituary: Kiss Guitar Legend Dies at 74 After Studio Accident

Ace Frehley, the legendary lead guitarist and co-founder of Kiss, has died aged 74. He passed away in a New Jersey hospital on Thursday, weeks after suffering a traumatic brain injury from a fall in his recording studio. His death was confirmed by his family, who described the loss as “beyond comprehension.”

Known as “The Spaceman,” Frehley shaped the sound and identity of one of rock’s most iconic bands. His innovative guitar work, stage theatrics, and larger-than-life persona helped turn Kiss from a struggling New York act into a global phenomenon.

Ace Frehley’s Life, Legacy, and Impact on Rock Music

Born Paul Daniel Frehley in New York City in 1951, Ace co-founded Kiss in 1973 alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. As the band’s lead guitarist, Frehley performed on their first nine albums, crafting the riffs that powered hits like “Shock Me” and “Cold Gin.”

Kiss initially faced lukewarm critical reception, but their explosive live shows, theatrical costumes, and face paint made them a cultural force. Frehley embodied “The Spaceman” persona, famously wielding a custom Les Paul guitar that spewed smoke during solos. Despite never taking formal lessons, he became one of rock’s most influential guitarists. “I don’t know how to read music, but I’m one of the most famous guitar players in the world,” he said in 2009.

In 1978, each member released a solo album simultaneously, and Frehley’s was the best-selling of the four. His rendition of “New York Groove” became a radio staple and remains one of his signature tracks. However, internal tensions and personal struggles eventually led him to leave Kiss in 1982. He cited creative differences and substance abuse battles, later admitting that remaining with the band might have cost him his life.

Frehley pursued a solo career, forming the band Frehley’s Comet in 1984 and releasing two albums. He later issued “Trouble Walkin’” under his own name in 1989. In 1996, he reunited with Kiss for a blockbuster reunion tour, staying until 2002. He did not participate in the band’s final world tour in 2022–2023, amid lingering tensions with Simmons and Stanley.

Tributes Pour In for ‘The Spaceman’

Following news of his death, tributes flooded in from across the music world. Kiss co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons released a joint statement calling Frehley “an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier” and a permanent part of the band’s legacy. Peter Criss wrote on social media, “I’m shocked!!! My friend … I love you!”

Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready credited Frehley with inspiring him to pick up a guitar, recalling how a Kiss lunchbox “changed my life” at age 11. “I studied his solos endlessly,” McCready wrote. “Playing with Ace at Madison Square Garden was a dream come true.” Poison’s Bret Michaels also paid tribute, thanking Frehley for “years of great music” and calling him a “brother.”

Frehley’s influence stretched far beyond his own band. His innovative solos, onstage flair, and rebellious spirit inspired countless musicians and fans. Kiss’s black-and-white face paint and bombastic shows became cultural touchstones, and Frehley’s “Spaceman” character remains one of rock’s most enduring icons.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, and daughter, Monique. As fans around the world mourn his loss, Ace Frehley’s legacy — from the anthems he helped create to the millions he inspired — will live on in rock history.

Ace Frehley’s passing marks the end of an era in rock music. His unmatched style, influence, and spirit cemented his place among the greatest guitarists of all time — a true Spaceman whose music will echo forever.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What caused Ace Frehley’s death?

Ace Frehley died from injuries sustained after a fall in his recording studio in late September 2025. He suffered a brain bleed and was on life support before passing away.

Q2: How old was Ace Frehley when he died?

He was 74 years old at the time of his death in October 2025.

Q3: What were Ace Frehley’s most famous works?

Frehley was known for his work on Kiss’s early albums, his solo hit “New York Groove,” and his smoke-spewing Les Paul guitar solos that defined the band’s live shows.

Q4: Did Ace Frehley ever reunite with Kiss?

Yes, Frehley reunited with Kiss in 1996 for a successful reunion tour and remained with the band until 2002, though he did not join their farewell tour in 2022–2023.

Q5: What is Ace Frehley’s legacy in rock music?

He is remembered as one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, inspiring generations of musicians and shaping the theatrical sound and image of Kiss.