Original KISS drummer Peter Criss has shared a heartbreaking and deeply personal tribute to his “brother” and fellow founding member, Ace Frehley, revealing in a moving statement that he and his wife were “with him to the end.” Frehley, the band’s iconic original lead guitarist, passed away on Thursday, October 16, at the age of 74.
The statement, posted to Criss‘official website, is a profound and poignant farewell from the “Catman” to the “Spaceman,” two rock and roll outlaws who shared a unique and often tumultuous journey in one of the world’s biggest bands.
In his message, Criss expressed his profound sadness and offered condolences to Frehley‘s family and millions of fans.
He wrote:
“With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well. I love you my brother. My love and prayers go out to Jeanette, Monique, Charlie and Nancy and all of Ace‘s extended family, bandmates, fans and friends. May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time. As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in Ace‘s solo career, Ace influenced and touch the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army. At this time I ask all of you to please be respectful to Ace‘s family and allow them to grieve privately. To the KISS Army and Ace‘s Rock Soldiers, my heart is with you all… Broken…”
Criss‘ tribute followed the official announcement from Frehley‘s family, who confirmed his passing in their own emotional statement. “We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” they wrote. “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… Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
The other founding members of KISS, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, also released statements mourning their “irreplaceable rock soldier.” In a joint message, they stated, “He is and will always be a part of KISS‘s legacy.”
Peter Criss‘s deeply personal message, however, stands as a final testament to the unique bond he shared with Ace Frehley. As the first two original members to leave the band, their intertwined histories and shared experiences created a connection that, as Criss‘ final words reveal, lasted until the very end.
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