KISS Honors Late Co-Founder Ace Frehley at Vegas Tribute Event

In the weeks following the tragic death of KISS co-founder Ace Frehley on Oct. 16, 2025, the band held a special 3-day event called KISS Kruise: Landlocked in Las Vegas to honor his memory. Frehley, known for his "Spaceman" persona and makeup, had co-founded the iconic rock group in 1973 but left in 1982.

During the event on Nov. 14, 2025, lead singer Paul Stanley, 73, took a moment to address the crowd, saying, "We certainly had differences, but that's what family is about." The following night, other band members, including Gene Simmons and guitarists Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer, also briefly mentioned Frehley and his contributions to the band.

Fans in attendance chanted "Ace, Ace, Ace" throughout the weekend, with opening act Sebastian Bach leading one such chant on Nov. 15. The band performed both acoustic sets and full concerts during the event, sometimes without their signature face paint. A Q&A session with the Grammy-nominated group was also scheduled for Nov. 16.

Frehley's family had previously announced his death, stating they were "completely devastated and heartbroken" but grateful to have been able to surround him with love and care in his final moments. The medical examiner confirmed the cause of death as blunt trauma injuries to his head from a fall, ruling it an accident.