Updated-Ace Frehley, the legendary lead guitarist and co-founder of KISS, has died at 74.
His family said he passed away Thursday in Morristown, New Jersey. Frehley, known for his “Spaceman” persona and iconic guitar solos, helped shape KISS’s rise to fame in the 1970s. His death comes weeks after he was hospitalized following a fall that caused a brain bleed.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” his family said in a statement. “In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.”
“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
Ace Frehley, the 74-year-old co-founder and original guitarist of Kiss, was reportedly on life support following a brain bleed caused by a fall in his studio last month.
According to TMZ, Frehley’s condition had not improved and he had been on a ventilator in recent weeks. His family was said to be considering taking him off life support as soon as Thursday evening.
The “Rock and Roll All Nite” guitarist first raised concern last month when he revealed he was unable to perform in California on Sept. 26 after suffering a fall in his studio that sent him to the hospital. Following the incident, Frehley canceled the rest of his 2025 tour, citing ongoing medical complications related to the injury that left him hospitalized.
In an Oct. 6 Instagram post, the musician shared that he had made the difficult decision to cancel the remaining tour dates to focus on his recovery.
Ace Frehley, was born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in The Bronx, New York, is best known as the original lead guitarist and co-founder of the legendary rock band Kiss. Known by his stage persona “The Spaceman,” Frehley helped shape the group’s sound and image, becoming one of rock’s most influential guitarists.
He joined Kiss in 1973 alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. With his flashy solos, space-themed persona, and signature makeup, Frehley became a fan favorite. His playing can be heard on classic albums like Kiss (1974), Destroyer (1976), Love Gun (1977), and Alive! (1975). His songwriting contributions included hits such as “Shock Me,” “Rocket Ride,” and his solo track “New York Groove,” which became a Top 20 hit when he released it on his 1978 solo album.
Frehley left Kiss in 1982 to pursue a solo career, forming the band Frehley’s Comet and releasing several albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Known for his unique guitar tone and inventive solos, he earned respect among fellow musicians for his technical skill and creativity.
