Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of KISS and a towering figure in rock history, has passed away at the age of 74. Known to millions as “The Spaceman,” Frehley wasn’t just a member of one of the most iconic rock bands of all time—he was a symbol of an era. His larger-than-life persona, dazzling guitar solos, and interstellar stage presence helped define what it meant to be a rock star in the 1970s and beyond. His death on October 16, reportedly due to complications from a fall at his home, sent shockwaves through the music world, prompting a global outpouring of grief, admiration, and heartfelt tributes.
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, fellow founding members of KISS, issued a joint statement expressing their devastation at the loss of their former bandmate. Despite their well-documented ups and downs over the years, there was a deep acknowledgment of Frehley’s critical role in the band’s origins and rise to fame. Calling him a “rock soldier,” Stanley and Simmons reflected on the pivotal years when KISS was forging its identity and building a legacy that would influence countless artists. “He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy,” they said, extending condolences to Frehley’s family—his partner Jeanette and daughter Monique—as well as the fans who had stood by him throughout his storied career.
Those fans, numbering in the millions around the world, felt the loss acutely. But it wasn’t just fans who mourned Frehley. Fellow rock stars, many of whom had played alongside him or cited him as an inspiration, took to social media and other platforms to share personal memories and messages of respect.
Bret Michaels, the Poison frontman known for his infectious energy and love for glam rock, shared a touching tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator. In a post accompanied by a photo of the two musicians together, Michaels thanked Frehley for the years of great music and the shared experiences on festival stages. He specifically called out Frehley’s guest guitar appearance on Poison’s classic hit “Nothing But A Good Time” as a moment that symbolized the bond between them and the musical joy Frehley brought to any project he touched. “All my love and respect, from my family and myself — may you rest in peace!” Michaels wrote, capturing the sense of loss felt across the rock community.
Bruce Kulick, who stepped into the role of KISS guitarist after Frehley’s initial departure and remained with the band from 1984 to 1996, also weighed in with a deeply personal message. Despite having filled Frehley’s formidable shoes, Kulick never downplayed the original guitarist’s significance. On Instagram, Kulick called the news of Frehley’s death “devastating to the world of rock” and admitted it had hit him hard personally. “He was one of a kind — truly an iconic guitar player,” Kulick said. He credited Frehley with not only shaping the sound of KISS but also influencing an entire generation of guitarists around the world. “His undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS cannot be forgotten,” he added, paying homage to the indelible mark Frehley left on the genre.
Perhaps one of the most emotional tributes came from Pearl Jam’s lead guitarist Mike McCready, who didn’t just admire Frehley from afar — he considered him a hero and a friend. McCready shared a heartfelt message that traced his personal journey back to Frehley’s influence. Recalling his childhood friend Rick Friel introducing him to KISS via a lunchbox on a school bus in 1977, McCready painted a vivid picture of how deeply embedded KISS, and particularly Frehley, was in his musical DNA. “I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence,” he wrote. Frehley’s playing on tracks like “She” and “C’mon and Love Me” became templates for McCready’s early development as a musician. That inspiration came full circle when Frehley later jammed with Pearl Jam on “Black Diamond” at Madison Square Garden—a dream realized for McCready, who saw his hero stand beside him on one of the world’s biggest stages. “RIP it out, Ace,” McCready concluded. “You changed my life.”
It wasn’t just artists from the world of hard rock and glam who acknowledged Frehley’s monumental impact. Major cultural institutions also paid tribute. The Kennedy Center, which had been preparing to honor the original KISS lineup at its upcoming 48th annual Honors ceremony, confirmed that they would include a special tribute to Frehley during the event. Their social media message emphasized the global scale of the loss, referring to Frehley as a “rock soldier” whose work and legacy deserved to be remembered and celebrated. It was a powerful testament to how far KISS had come—from blood-spitting club shows to the hallowed halls of one of the United States’ most prestigious cultural institutions.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where KISS was inducted in 2014, also honored Frehley. They posted a moving in memoriam video that included a clip of Frehley’s speech from the induction ceremony. It was a reminder of his wit, charm, and genuine appreciation for the recognition of his work. Their statement described him as “a crucial part of a band that inspired a generation of hard rockers to pick up instruments,” and recognized him as “one of the most recognizable and influential guitarists of all time.” The Rock Hall’s message underscored Frehley’s unique place in music history — someone whose sound, look, and attitude defined an entire movement.
MNRK Music Group, Frehley’s record label since 2014, also expressed their sorrow. In a statement from President and CEO Sean Stevenson, the company reflected on the privilege of having worked with Frehley over the past decade. They noted that his creativity, sense of humor, and enduring passion for music had left a lasting impression not just on fans but on the entire organization. “His creativity, humor, and passion for music will remain an enduring part of MNRK’s story,” Stevenson said, adding their condolences to the growing chorus of voices mourning Frehley’s death.
For all the accolades and honors, what truly set Ace Frehley apart was the way he made people feel. To fans, he wasn’t just a member of a legendary band — he was the cool, mysterious Spaceman whose face paint, silver costume, and smoking guitar lit up arenas and imaginations. He was the guy who made outer space seem just a little bit more rock and roll. Whether you were watching him shred solos on Love Gun, or seeing him blast off into pyrotechnic stardom during live shows, Frehley had a magic that made you believe anything was possible with a guitar in hand.
But behind the makeup and mystique was a real person who struggled, like many rock legends, with the toll of fame and the temptations that came with it. Frehley’s time with KISS was marked by both triumph and turbulence — a rollercoaster of creative highs and personal lows that played out in public. He left the band multiple times, citing exhaustion, creative differences, and personal challenges. Yet every time he returned to the stage, whether solo or with the band, there was an undeniable electricity. People still came to see the original Spaceman do what he did best: play loud, play fast, and make people feel alive.
His solo career, which included several successful albums, allowed him to showcase his distinct style outside the KISS machine. Songs like “New York Groove” became staples, and his 1978 solo album — released as part of a quartet of solo records from each KISS member — was widely regarded as the best of the bunch. He never lost the swagger or the skill, and even in recent years, he continued to tour and record, proving that his love for music was undiminished.
Now, as fans reflect on his legacy, it’s clear that Ace Frehley did more than just play the guitar — he embodied a spirit. The Spaceman wasn’t just a costume or a character; it was a symbol of escape, of imagination, of rebellion. He reminded people that music could be both theatrical and raw, over-the-top and deeply personal. His riffs are etched into the collective memory of rock fans, and his influence can be heard in the playing of artists across genres.
As the tributes continue to pour in, it’s evident that Ace Frehley was more than just a founding member of KISS — he was a cultural force. His music, his image, and his attitude helped shape the DNA of rock and roll. And even though he has left this world, his spirit will continue to live on — not just in the soaring solos and unforgettable performances, but in every kid who picks up a guitar and dreams of being a Spaceman.
Rest easy, Ace. You were never meant for just one world.
