The rock world is mourning the passing of Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist of Kiss, who was hospitalized days ago and subsequently placed on life support following a severe accident. He was 74 years old.
Frehley‘s family issued the following statement to Variety: “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!”
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the devoted community of fans who have stood faithfully by his side through every era of his career,” said MNRK President and CEO Sean Stevenson. “We at MNRK Music Group are deeply honored to have worked alongside Ace and to have been his label home since 2014. His creativity, humor, and passion for music will remain an enduring part of MNRK’s story.”
When Ace‘s Antelope Valley Fair cancellation was first announced, it was revealed that Frehley had had “a minor fall in his studio, resulting in a trip to the hospital.” He was later advised by his doctor to refrain from travel in order to fully recover from his injuries.
As a founding member of Kiss, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and a dynamic solo artist, The Spaceman forever changed the sound and spirit of rock music. His fiery playing, unmistakable style, and larger-than-life presence inspired generations to pick up the guitar and chase their own musical dreams.
According to those familiar with the situation, Frehley suffered a brain bleed after the fall in his studio. Despite ongoing treatment, his condition never improved.
For fans of Kiss, Ace Frehley’s story has always been one of musical brilliance intertwined with personal struggle. As one of the founding members — alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss — he helped define the band’s explosive sound and theatrical identity from 1973 to 1982. His guitar solos were as much a part of the group’s signature as the face paint and pyrotechnics.
Yet the same era was marked by internal conflict and substance abuse, ultimately leading to his departure from the group.
Frehley later pursued his own musical vision with Frehley’s Comet, the band he founded in 1984, drawing inspiration from his nickname “The Spaceman.” The project ran until 1988 and produced a loyal following before he eventually rejoined Kiss for their 1996 reunion tour — a comeback that lasted until 2002.
At the time of his passing, Frehley was working on Origins Vol. 3, the sequel to Ace‘s 2016 and 2020 collections of cover songs that inspired the former Kiss guitarist.
Ace‘s latest solo album, 10,000 Volts, came out in February 2024 via MNRK Music Group (formerly eOne Music). It was the follow-up to Spaceman, which was released in October 2018 via eOne.