Legendary KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley Dies at 74

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the legendary glam rock band KISS, has passed away at the age of 74. Frehley, who was known by his stage persona as the "Space Ace," died peacefully on October 15th, 2025, surrounded by his family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall.

Frehley's family members expressed their profound grief and heartbreak, but also celebrated the kindness and laughter he brought to others. As a founding member of KISS, Frehley captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup, smoke-filled guitar, and the band's theatrical stage shows, which included fireworks, smoking instruments, and fake blood spewing from the mouths of the band members.

KISS, known for hits like "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Detroit Rock City," was renowned for its iconic look, with each member taking on the persona of a comic book-style character. Frehley was the "Spaceman," and his unique style and virtuosic guitar playing were integral to the band's success, especially in the mid-1970s when they sold tens of millions of albums and licensed their image to numerous products.

Frehley and his KISS bandmates, including singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing their legacy as one of the most influential and iconic rock bands of all time. Frehley's passing marks the first death among the four founding members of KISS, leaving fans and the music community to mourn the loss of a true rock legend.