Original Kiss lead guitarist Ace Frehley passed away on Thursday at the age of 74. Injuries suffered from a fall at his home contributed to his passing. He reportedly suffered a brain bleed and was on life support before passing on.
Frehley’s family issued a statement following his passing. It 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!”
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley also issued a statement acknowledging the massive impact Ace Frehley had on Kiss’ success. “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” said the band. “He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of Kiss’ legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world. Rest in Peace, Ace.”
Frehley teamed up with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss in late 1972 and played a significant role in the band’s worldwide success. He left the band in 1982 before returning in 1996 for a reunion tour. He would later exit again in 2002.
A New York native, Frehley worked as a solo artist under his own name when not performing with Kiss, as well as with his band Frehley’s Comet. He wrote the single “New York Groove,” which remains a classic today among rock fans. He entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Kiss in 2014. Stanley and Simmons claim Ace was invited to join Kiss for encores during the band’s final tour but he declined. Frehley however disputed those accounts.
Ace Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, and many nieces and nephews. Following the news, members of the radio and music industries flocked to social media to remember the legendary guitarist.
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