Ace Frehley, founding member of the famous rock band Kiss Kiss, dies at the age of 74 – Twitchy
Legendary classic rock band kiss Lost one of the founding members. Lead guitarist Ace Frehley passed away today. He was hospitalized and placed on life support for about a month, suffering a brain bleed from a fall in his home studio. After showing no signs of improvement, his family made the painful decision to remove life support.
#break 🚨 KISS guitarist Ace Frehley dies at the age of 74. https://t.co/Wn5FkYlZYA pic.twitter.com/Ejm4g6OgEz
– TMZ (@TMZ) October 16, 2025
Rest in peace Ace Frehley pic.twitter.com/Ybr960UTtp
– American (@Flipper628) October 17, 2025
Kiss was formed in New York when Frehley joined fellow guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss in 1973. The band became as famous for its lavish makeup and costumes and pyrotechnic-filled stage shows as it was for its music. The “Spaceman” characters of Frehley and other band members rejected comic books, action figures, and even made-for-TV movies.
After a string of hits, including Rock and Roll All Night, Shout it Outloud, and Detroit Rock City, Frehley left Kiss in 1982 and formed his own band, Frehley’s Comet. He would later reunite with Kiss for a reunion tour in 1996. His last performance with Kiss was at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Kiss was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
(1/3) On the anniversary: @ace_frehley He was the co-founder and original guitarist of the 2014 Inductees @kiss. Known for his signature licks, flashy fireworks, and alter ego – “Spaceman” – Frehley also contributed vocals to songs like “Shock Me,” “Rocket Ride,” and… pic.twitter.com/3zYM9ks8lY
– Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) October 16, 2025
Recommended
Tributes from musicians and fans alike have been paying tributes to the rock legend since news of his death broke.
Our hearts are broken. The ace has passed. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Even more sadly, Ace did not live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Center Tribute Gala in December. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. May his legacy live long!
– Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 16, 2025
Ace Frehley was the embodiment of the rock ‘n’ roll attitude – unapologetic, brash, and irresistibly charismatic. His intonation was swaggering, his tone was acerbic, and his stage presence lit up like a supernova. The spaceman has left the stage, but his orbit will shine forever. pic.twitter.com/TDyDvEVA9i
– Steve Vai (@Stevevai) October 17, 2025
@ace_frehley Ace, brother, I certainly can’t thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and for your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time. All my love and respect from myself and my family – may God have mercy on them!!! #AceFrehley pic.twitter.com/Vb5IIPYPxu
– Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) October 16, 2025
Frehley has truly made his mark on the music world.
I have to get used to my childhood dying a little at a time. I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve spent listening to Ace Frehley & KISS at full volume. pic.twitter.com/dUWyWKYqrL
— EducatëdHillbilly™ (@RobProvince) October 16, 2025
Wow kinda sad about this 😕 https://t.co/izV3zvpWra
– Tandy (@dantebo) October 16, 2025
Just learned of the passing of Ace Frehley…he was a great guitarist and part of many memories for rock fans everywhere…this is heartbreaking news.
Rest in peace, Ace…🖤🎸 pic.twitter.com/AbjA1P2ACb– Amy (@20th_Centurygal) October 16, 2025
Ace Frehley leaves behind his beloved daughter, Monique, and her mother, his ex-wife, Janet Trerotola. He was 74 years old.
Editor’s note: Schumer close here. Instead of putting the American people first, Chuck Schumer and the radical Democrats imposed a government shutdown of health care for illegal immigrants. They own this.Help us keep reporting the truth about Schumer’s suspension. Use the promo code POTUS47 To get a 74% discount on your VIP membership.