Just hours after the news of Ace Frehley‘s death broke, former Queensrÿche frontman Geoff Tate paid a heartfelt, spontaneous tribute to the legendary KISS guitarist live on stage during his solo concert in Patchogue, New York. Before dedicating a song to the fallen icon, Tate took a moment to honor the man he called a future fixture of “musical history.”
The emotional tribute took place on Thursday, October 16, the same day Frehley passed away at the age of 74. Tate paused his show at the Patchogue Theatre to address the audience with the somber news.
“I don’t know if you’ve heard, Ace Frehley died today. Love that man. A native of the Bronx, not too far from here,” Tate told the crowd. “[He] will go down in musical history. Ace Frehley of KISS has passed.”
He then dedicated the next song, the Queensrÿche classic “Queen Of The Reich,” to the late guitarist, explaining its connection to Frehley‘s iconic band.
“I’d like to pay a tribute with a song inspired a lot by his former band. Let’s do one more for Ace,” he said before launching into the track.
The news of Frehley‘s passing sent shockwaves through the rock and roll community. The iconic “Spaceman” died after suffering a brain bleed following a fall in his studio several weeks ago. Tributes have been pouring in from fans and fellow musicians, including his former KISS bandmates Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss.
In a statement, Frehley’s family said: “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!”
As the original lead guitarist of KISS, Ace Frehley‘s innovative style and swaggering persona were fundamental to the band’s meteoric rise in the 1970s. His influence on generations of guitarists is immeasurable.
