In a rare and deeply emotional gathering, the original lineup of rock legends Kiss—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss—set aside their storied history to collectively mourn the loss of their founding guitarist, Ace Frehley, at a private funeral in the Bronx. This significant reunion has ignited renewed fan passion and solidified plans for a future public tribute to the beloved ‘Spaceman.’
The rock world paused earlier this week to bid farewell to an icon, Ace Frehley, the legendary ‘Spaceman’ guitarist and a founding member of Kiss. In a truly poignant moment that transcended decades of band dynamics, his former bandmates, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss, attended his intimate funeral service in the Bronx, New York. This gathering marked an extraordinary reunion of the original lineup, offering a bittersweet closure for the band and a powerful moment for devoted fans.
A Poignant Gathering in the Bronx
The private ceremony, held on October 23, 2025, in the Bronx, was an emotional affair, attended by a small circle of family and close friends. Among them was Eddie Trunk, the renowned SiriusXM host and a longtime confidante of Frehley and the band. Trunk took to social media to share his reflections, confirming the presence of the three surviving original members of Kiss.
“Ace Frehley has now been laid to rest in Bronx, NY. It has been an emotional couple of days to say the least, saying farewell to a rock icon and long-time friend,” Trunk wrote, underscoring the profound impact of Frehley’s passing. The service was also reportedly attended by other figures from Frehley’s storied career, including former Kiss manager Doc McGhee and actor/stuntman Chuck Zito, as reported by TMZ.
A detail that touched many was the Bible verse engraved on Frehley’s grave marker: John 14:1-3, 27, which includes the comforting words, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This subtle message offered a sense of peace, even in mourning, echoing Frehley’s enduring spirit.
The Original Kiss Members Together Again
The attendance of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss together at the funeral was a moment many fans believed they might never see again. Despite their well-documented differences and Frehley’s departure from the band in 1982, the shared history and profound bond forged in their formative years clearly brought them together one last time. While Eddie Trunk did not provide details about their interactions at the service, their collective presence spoke volumes.
Following Frehley’s death on October 16, 2025, heartfelt tributes poured in from the rock community. Gene Simmons shared a personal message, stating, “Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”
A joint statement from Simmons and Stanley further acknowledged Frehley’s monumental contribution: “He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of Kiss’s legacy.” These sentiments highlight the complex yet undeniable bond that defined their time together.
Remembering a “Rock Soldier”: Ace Frehley’s Enduring Legacy
Ace Frehley died at age 74 in Morristown, New Jersey. His family confirmed his passing, revealing they made the difficult decision to take him off life support following a brain bleed caused by a fall. This tragic event occurred after he hit his head at the studio, leading to his hospitalization last month, as reported by Yahoo Entertainment.
Frehley’s family issued a statement to People magazine, expressing their profound grief: “We are completely devastated and heartbroken. 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!”
His distinctive guitar style and enigmatic ‘Spaceman’ persona were crucial to Kiss’s success, making them one of the most iconic bands in rock history. Frehley’s influence extended far beyond the band, inspiring countless guitarists with his melodic solos and fiery stage presence.
A Future Tribute: Honoring the Spaceman
In his social media post, Eddie Trunk also shared exciting news for fans: Ace Frehley’s family has given their blessing for a future tribute show or fan celebration. “That’s something I feel, and many others feel, is deserved and should happen,” Trunk wrote. While there are no specific details to share yet, this announcement has been met with immense anticipation within the fan community.
Such an event would not only serve as a powerful commemoration of Frehley’s life and career but also provide a communal space for fans to celebrate his immense contribution to music. It would undoubtedly be a fitting way to honor the legacy of a man who truly was an “eternal rock soldier,” whose unique sound helped define an era.
The reunion of the original Kiss members at Ace Frehley’s funeral underscores the profound bonds that can endure, even through conflict. As the rock world remembers the ‘Spaceman,’ his legacy of electrifying guitar solos and unforgettable anthems will continue to inspire new generations, ensuring that his star shines brightly in the rock and roll galaxy forever.
