KISS founding guitarist Ace Frehley, often called ‘The Spaceman,’ has died at 74. His original bandmates Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss remember him as an ‘irreplaceable rock soldier’ whose influential guitar work and unique persona left an indelible mark on the music world and the hearts of the KISS Army.
The rock and roll universe pauses to mourn the loss of one of its brightest stars. Ace Frehley, the iconic founding lead guitarist of the legendary glam rock band KISS, has passed away at the age of 74 on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Known affectionately by millions as “The Spaceman,” Frehley’s unique guitar style, explosive stage presence, and signature makeup made him an indelible figure in music history. His untimely death has prompted an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from his former bandmates and the wider rock community, all acknowledging the profound impact he had on their lives and the genre itself.
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons: Devastated by the Loss of a Rock Soldier
In a joint statement shared with USA TODAY, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, the driving forces behind KISS, expressed their deep sorrow. “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” they shared. Their words underscore Frehley’s foundational role in the band’s inception and meteoric rise, describing him as an “essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history.”
The statement continued to affirm Frehley’s lasting legacy: “He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.” Stanley and Simmons also extended their condolences to Frehley’s family, including his wife Jeanette Frehley, daughter Monique Frehley, and “all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.” This collective sentiment highlights the deep personal and professional bond shared between the original members, recognizing Frehley’s unique contribution to the band’s identity.
Peter Criss’s Heartfelt Farewell: A Brother’s Sadness and the KISS Army’s Grief
Fellow founding member and drummer Peter Criss delivered an emotional tribute on his official website, revealing a profound personal loss. “With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away,” Criss wrote, adding the poignant detail that he and his wife “were with him to the end.” This intimate detail offers fans a glimpse into the lasting camaraderie that defined the original quartet, despite their often tumultuous history.
Criss continued, praising Frehley’s widespread influence: “As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in Ace’s solo career, Ace influenced and touched the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army.” He concluded his message with a touching address to the dedicated fanbase: “To the KISS Army and Ace’s rock soldiers, my heart is with you all . . . broken . . .” Criss’s words resonate deeply with fans, acknowledging not just Frehley’s musical genius but also his direct connection to the community he helped create.
The Spaceman’s Galactic Journey: A History with KISS
KISS was formed in the vibrant music scene of New York City in 1973, bringing together four distinct personalities who would soon become rock legends. The original lineup featured Frehley on lead guitar and vocals, Stanley on vocals and rhythm guitar, Simmons on vocals and bass, and Criss on drums and vocals. This lineup ignited a cultural phenomenon, changing the face of rock music with their theatricality, anthemic songs, and unforgettable personas.
Frehley’s journey with the band was marked by periods of departure and reunion. He initially left KISS in 1982 to pursue other musical ventures, including a successful solo career. He later rejoined the group in 1996 for the highly anticipated reunion tour, much to the delight of fans worldwide. His second departure came in 2002, following KISS’s first farewell tour. Despite these changes, Frehley’s indelible mark on the band was cemented when KISS was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, with all four original members present, celebrating their enduring impact.
Tributes Beyond the Original Quartet: The Rock World Remembers
The tributes for Ace Frehley extend far beyond his original bandmates, echoing his widespread influence across the rock landscape. Many artists whose careers were directly or indirectly touched by Frehley’s pioneering work have shared their respects.
From Fellow Rockers to Inspired Guitarists
Bret Michaels, the charismatic frontman of Poison, expressed his gratitude on social media. “Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time,” Michaels wrote on his Instagram. This sentiment highlights Frehley’s role not just as a bandmate but as a collaborative artist and a friend to many in the industry.
Bruce Kulick, who took over lead guitar duties for KISS from 1984 to 1996, also shared a poignant message. On his Instagram, Kulick stated that the news was “devastating to the world of rock” and deeply affected him. He lauded Frehley as “one of a kind a truly an iconic guitar player,” emphasizing his “undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS” and how he “influenced millions of guitarists around the world.”
These tributes from musicians who walked different paths with KISS and in the broader rock scene underscore Frehley’s immense impact. His unique approach to the instrument, characterized by searing solos and a distinctive tone, inspired countless aspiring guitarists to pick up the axe and explore the boundless possibilities of rock music.
The Enduring Legacy of The Spaceman
Ace Frehley’s legacy is multifaceted, extending beyond just his iconic riffs. He was a pioneer in melding hard rock with theatrical showmanship, creating a template that many bands would follow. His persona as “The Spaceman” was not merely a costume; it was an extension of his enigmatic stage presence and unpredictable creativity, which captivated audiences globally.
For the KISS Army, Frehley was more than a guitarist; he was a cosmic force, representing rebellion, individuality, and pure rock and roll spirit. His solo work also provided fans with a deeper look into his musical artistry, proving his capabilities beyond the band’s elaborate confines.
As the rock world remembers Ace Frehley, his music continues to resonate, inspiring new generations and reminding veteran fans of the raw power and otherworldly charm he brought to every performance. He may have embarked on his final journey among the stars, but his “galactic riffs” and unforgettable persona will forever echo through the annals of rock history, cherished by his bandmates, his peers, and the devoted KISS Army.
