Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Pearl Jam grieve loss of Kiss co-founder Ace Frehley

join Rick‘s band Warrior which turned into Shadow. We covered “C’mon and Love Me”. All my friends have spent untold hours talking about KISS and buying KISS stuff. Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly over the years… I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence. RIP it out Ace, you changed my life.” — Mike McCready, founding member and lead guitarist on X.Bret Michaels“Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time. All my love and respect, from my family and myself – may you rest in peace!!!” – the former Poison frontman on X.Maynard James Keenan“Godspeed, Ace.” the Tool frontman on Instagram.Nile Rodgers“Ace RIP was the 1st person I met when we were forming CHIC! @KISS were playing at a spot called Le Jardin. Without his makeup nobody recognized him as he sat at my table. Only a few minutes before the crowd were losing their shit over him. I learned a lot that night. Truly historic #rock ” — the musician and co-founder of the disco band Chic on X.Tom Morello“My first guitar hero, Ace Frehley, has passed away. The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n roll and love rock n roll guitar playing. His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten. Thank you, Ace for a lifetime of great music and memories.” — on Instagram.The Kennedy Center“The Kennedy Center is saddened to hear of the passing of one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees, Ace Frehley of the band KISS. … We will be paying tribute to this “rock soldier”, his work, and his legacy at our ceremony in December.” — on X.Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.window._taboola = window._taboola || [];_taboola.push({“mode”:”alternating-thumbnails-a”,”container”:”taboola-below-article-thumbnails-new”,”placement”:”Below Article Thumbnails New”,”target_type”:”mix”});

Music fans around the world are mourning the loss of Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the iconic glam rock band Kiss. With his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, Frehley captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the music industry. He passed away peacefully at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall. His family expressed their devastation at his loss but also shared their intent to cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he showed to others.

Kiss, known for their high-energy theatrical stage shows complete with fireworks, smoking instruments, and fake blood, was a groundbreaking band that pushed the boundaries of performance art in the music world. With hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City,” Kiss solidified their place in rock history. Band members, including Frehley, donned body armor, platform boots, wigs, and their signature black-and-white face paint, creating a visual spectacle that matched their dynamic sound.

The passing of Ace Frehley has been met with an outpouring of tributes from his fellow musicians and industry colleagues. The founding members of Kiss, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, released a statement expressing their devastation at Frehley’s death, recognizing him as an essential and irreplaceable part of the band’s legacy. Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready remembered Frehley as a hero and friend whose influence shaped his musical journey, while Bret Michaels of Poison thanked Frehley for the years of great music and collaboration they shared.

Acclaimed musicians such as Maynard James Keenan, Nile Rodgers, and Tom Morello also paid their respects to Frehley, acknowledging his immense talent and the impact he had on their own musical careers. The Kennedy Center, where Frehley was set to be honored, will pay tribute to his legacy at their upcoming ceremony, recognizing his contributions to the music world and his lasting influence.

Ace Frehley’s legacy as a rock pioneer and guitar virtuoso is one that will continue to resonate with music fans for generations to come. His unforgettable solos, stage presence, and unique style have left an indelible mark on the rock genre, inspiring countless artists to pick up a guitar and rock out. As the music world mourns the loss of a true legend, Ace Frehley’s spirit and passion for music will live on through his timeless music and the memories he created during his illustrious career. Rest in peace, Space Ace