KISS co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have paid tribute to their “irreplaceable” former bandmate and fellow founding member, Ace Frehley, following his passing on Thursday, October 16, at the age of 74. The two rock icons released both a joint statement and individual messages mourning the loss of the legendary “Spaceman.”
In a joint statement, the duo expressed their devastation and acknowledged Frehley‘s foundational role in the band’s history.
Their joint statement reads:
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. 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. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
In addition to the joint message, Simmons shared a more personal tribute on his X (formerly Twitter) account, lamenting that Frehley would not live to see his upcoming Kennedy Center Honors.
His full statement reads:
“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!”
Born Paul Daniel Frehley in The Bronx, New York, Ace Frehley became a global icon as the “Spaceman” in KISS. His innovative, blues-based lead guitar style, melodic solos, and signature on-stage swagger were a foundational element of the band’s sound and image. He was a key creative force on the band’s most legendary albums, including Destroyer (1976), Love Gun (1977), and Dynasty (1979), and he wrote and sang lead on classic tracks like “Shock Me” and “Rocket Ride.” His 1978 self-titled solo album, which featured the hit single “New York Groove,” was the most successful of the four KISS solo records released simultaneously.
After his departure from KISS in 1982, Frehley embarked on a successful solo career with his band Frehley‘s Comet and as a solo artist. He triumphantly returned to KISS for their massively successful reunion tour in 1996, cementing his place as one of the most influential and beloved guitarists in the history of rock and roll.
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