Paul Daniel Ace Frehley, a founding member and lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Kiss and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honoree, has passed away at the age of 74 after succumbing to injuries sustained in a fall last month, as confirmed by his family.
Expressing profound grief, the family shared, “We are utterly devastated and shattered. In his final moments, we were blessed to envelop him with love, tranquility, and attention. We hold dear his laughter, honor his benevolence, and will forever commemorate his extraordinary life. Ace’s legacy will remain everlasting.”
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, longtime companions in Kiss, echoed these sentiments, describing Frehley as “a vital and irreplaceable rock stalwart” whose contributions were pivotal in shaping the band’s early years. They emphasized, “He is and will always be an integral part of Kiss’ heritage. Our hearts go out to Jeanette, Monique, and all those who cherished him, including fans worldwide.”
Joining forces with Stanley, Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss in late 1972, shortly before the official formation of Kiss in January 1973, Frehley, also known as “Space Ace,” cultivated a unique extraterrestrial persona that complemented the group’s dramatic, larger-than-life image incorporating makeup, costumes, pyrotechnics, and smoke-emitting guitars. Despite initial skepticism from critics, Kiss captivated a generation, especially young fans attracted to their grandeur and rock anthems.
Kiss’ eponymous debut album in 1974 introduced hits such as “Firehouse,” “Black Diamond,” and Frehley’s own “Cold Gin,” while the 1975 live record “Alive!” propelled the band to stardom. Their subsequent release, “Destroyer” (1976), produced by Bob Ezrin, featured classics like “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” and the tender ballad “Beth,” solidifying their position in rock history.
Beyond his musical performances, Frehley showcased his talents in songwriting and multi-instrumental skills with the release of a solo album in 1978, part of four concurrent solo projects by Kiss members, including the popular cover “New York Groove.” The album underscored his versatility and collaborations with renowned session musicians, garnering critical acclaim and fan adulation.
Despite professional triumphs, Frehley grappled with personal demons, including substance abuse issues. He briefly departed from Kiss in 1982 but rejoined for the 1996 reunion tour and the studio album “Psycho Circus,” remaining with the band until 2002. Subsequently, he pursued a prolific solo career, releasing five albums between 2009 and 2024 and collaborating with esteemed artists like Slash, Mike McCready, John 5, Robin Zander, Stanley, and Simmons. His final album, “10,000 Volts,” was unveiled in 2024.
Hailing from the Bronx, New York, Frehley acquired his first electric guitar in 1964 and drew inspiration from musical luminaries such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, and Jeff Beck. Renowned for his innate musical prowess, he earned the moniker “Ace” for his ability to captivate audiences and peers alike. Although he initially left high school to pursue music, he later returned to obtain his diploma, embarking on a career spanning over five decades.
Frehley chronicled his life in the memoir “No Regrets – A Rock ‘N’ Roll Memoir” (2011), offering an unfiltered account of the highs and lows of rock stardom. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Kiss in 2014.
He is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, nieces Suncere Frehley and Julie Salvner, nephews Sky Frehley and Andrew Salvner, sister-in-law Michelanne, and brother-in-law Ron Salvner.