Ace Frehley, KISS Co-Founder, Passes Away at 74

Ace Frehley, the iconic guitarist and co-founder of the legendary rock band KISS, has passed away at the age of 74. His family confirmed that he died on Thursday in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall. They expressed their devastation, stating they are “completely heartbroken,” while vowing to cherish the memories they shared with him.

In the months leading up to his death, Frehley made poignant remarks about his longevity. An interview from March 2023 resurfaced, in which he expressed optimism about living a long life, attributing this belief to his “good genes.” Frehley noted that his father lived to 96, while his mother reached 86. He also mentioned a psychic who predicted he would live to be 100, responding with, “No problem.”

Legacy of a Rock Legend

Born Paul Daniel Frehley, he grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at the age of 13. Before his time with KISS, he performed in various local bands in New York City and even worked as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix at just 18 years old. KISS gained immense popularity in the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and becoming a cultural phenomenon with their theatrical performances.

One of KISS’s biggest hits, “Beth,” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. The band was known not only for its music but also for extravagant stage shows featuring pyrotechnics and distinctive costumes, including Frehley’s persona as “Space Ace.” The original lineup also included singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss.

Frehley’s death marks the first among the four founding members of KISS. His contributions to the band and rock music are immeasurable, as he often incorporated innovative elements into his performances, such as guitars that glowed, emitted smoke, and even shot rockets from the headstock.

In a joint statement, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley expressed their sorrow: “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. 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’s legacy.”

As fans and fellow musicians mourn his loss, Ace Frehley’s impact on the music world will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.