Ace Frehley, Former KISS Lead Guitarist and Solo Artist, Dies at 74

Rock has lost one of its true icons. Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of KISS, has passed away at the age of 74.

According to TMZ, Frehley died Thursday after being hospitalized and placed on life support following complications from a serious fall in his studio several weeks ago. His family reportedly made the difficult decision to remove him from the ventilator.

Frehley, known to millions as “The Spaceman,” was a key creative force in KISS, helping define the band’s sound and image alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. He performed with the band from 1973 to 1982, contributing to some of their most iconic hits including “Detroit Rock City,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.”

After leaving the band, Frehley launched his solo project Frehley’s Comet, which carried his larger-than-life persona into the mid-1980s. He later rejoined KISS for their massive 1996 reunion tour and remained with them until 2002. Over the years, he became equally celebrated for his solo renditions of “New York Groove” and “Into the Night.”

In 2014, Frehley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside his fellow KISS members, cementing his legacy as one of rock’s most influential guitarists.

Frehley is the first original member of KISS to pass away. His impact on rock music, stage theatrics, and generations of guitarists is immeasurable.

RIP Ace Frehley (1951–2025)

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