Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of KISS, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the age of 74. His death came just weeks after he suffered a brain bleed from a fall in his home studio, which led to hospitalization and time on life support.
His family expressed their heartbreak in a statement, saying: “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!”
In one of his final interviews, Frehley spoke with journalist and author Chaunce Hayden about how he wanted to be remembered. “I believe I’m going to be remembered as a straight shooter and a guy who stayed true to his craft and was respected by his peers,” he told Hayden. “I brought happiness to a lot of people. I was always the funny guy in KISS. That’s how I would like to be remembered.”
Frehley also reflected on the personal impact he had on fans. “The other thing that makes me proud is that a lot of kids come up to me and say they have been in recovery for six months or so and that it’s all because of me. They say if I can do it, they can do it too. That makes me feel good,” he said.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in The Bronx, New York, Ace became a defining figure in rock music as KISS’s “Spaceman.” His signature guitar tone, soaring solos, and cosmic stage persona helped shape some of the band’s most iconic moments. He played on albums such as Destroyer (1976), Love Gun (1977), and Dynasty (1979), contributing classics like “Shock Me,” “Rocket Ride,” and “Talk to Me.” His 1978 self-titled solo album, featuring the hit “New York Groove,” remains a fan favorite.
After leaving KISS in the early 1980s, Frehley continued performing and recording with Frehley’s Comet, as well as releasing acclaimed solo albums including Anomaly (2009) and 10,000 Volts (2024). He also reunited with KISS for the 1996 reunion tour, delighting fans around the globe.
Fans will have the chance to read Frehley’s full reflections when Chaunce Hayden’s complete interview with Ace appears in his third book, Music: 30 Years Of Interviews, due in January 2026.
Writer and extreme metal devotee, Ialdagorth has spent over a decade covering the darkest corners of heavy music. A black metal lifer, he spends his free time wandering the Carpathian Mountains, likely humming blast beats to the trees.
