Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band KISS, who captivated audiences with his elaborate galactic makeup and smoking guitar, died Thursday at the age of 74.
Frehley passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall, according to his agent.
The family expressed their devastation and heartbreak, emphasizing that they will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.
KISS has an iconic catalog with hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” with theatrical stage shows featuring impressive pyrotechnics and flamboyant costumes.
As a member, Frehley was known as 'Space Ace' and utilized his guitar skills to create unforgettable performances that often involved smoke and lighting effects.
His passing marks the first death among the original four founding members of KISS, which also included singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss.
Frehley was instrumental in shaping the band's sound and image, contributing significantly to their early success in the mid-1970s, which saw the band sell tens of millions of albums while redefining rock theatrics.
In a joint statement, Simmons and Stanley shared their sorrow, emphasizing Frehley as an essential and irreplaceable part of KISS’s legacy.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley, he began his musical journey at 13, inspired by his musical family. His talent led him to play with local bands and even serve as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix early in his career.
Frehley’s influence on music extended beyond KISS, affecting various artists and bands that emerged in later years including glam rock and metal acts.
Frehley’s contributions to rock music will not only resonate among fans of KISS but will also continue to inspire generations of musicians.
