New York, October 17 (Udaipur Kiran): Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley, the founding guitarist of the iconic American rock band KISS, passed away at the age of 74, his family announced in a statement reported by US media.
Frehley died surrounded by family members, who said they were “completely devastated and heartbroken.”
“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,” the statement read.
Frehley, known for his “Spaceman” persona, was part of KISS’s original line-up alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. The group’s black-and-white makeup and larger-than-life stage personas — Demon, Starchild, Spaceman, and Catman — became defining symbols of rock music in the 1970s.
His family said,
“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 beyond comprehension. Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever.”
In a joint statement, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons said,
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative chapters of the band’s history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.”
Rock legend Alice Cooper also paid tribute, calling Frehley “one of the great guitar pioneers,” adding,
“He always brought it every night. It’s hard to see somebody like that go. Ace was an ACE.”
Formed in 1973, KISS went on to sell over 100 million records worldwide, producing hits like Rock and Roll All Nite and God of Thunder. Frehley’s fiery performances — including his signature smoke-emitting guitar solos — helped define the band’s electrifying image.
Frehley left KISS in 1982, returned for their 1996 reunion tour, and stayed until 2002. The original members were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
Born in the Bronx, New York, Frehley received his first guitar at age 13 and taught himself to play. “I’m a high school dropout but here I am a millionaire and I never even took a guitar lesson in my life,” he once said in an interview.
Even after KISS retired from touring, Frehley continued performing as a solo artist, releasing eight albums. In September 2025, he cancelled his tour due to medical issues following a fall in his studio.
Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette and daughter Monique.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
