Kiss founding guitarist Ace Frehley passes away at age 74
Ace Frehley, an iconic member and original guitarist of the legendary band Kiss, tragically passed away in Morristown, New Jersey, at the age of 74. His agent confirmed that Frehley died peacefully after a recent fall, surrounded by his family. In a statement, his family expressed their devastation at the loss but emphasized their determination to remember his laughter and honor his kindness.
Frehley played a pivotal role in shaping rock music from the early days of Kiss, a band he helped form alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. Kiss’s music resonated with millions of fans, and their innovative licensing approach expanded their influence beyond the realm of music. Their hit song “Beth” even climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976.
The original lineup of Kiss, including Frehley, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Frehley’s passing marks the first loss among the founding members of the band. Stanley and Simmons, Frehley’s longtime bandmates, paid tribute to his significant contributions to Kiss’s evolution, acknowledging his irreplaceable role in shaping the band’s legacy.
After leaving Kiss in 1982, Frehley pursued a solo career and formed his own band, Frehley’s Comet. However, his reunion with Kiss in the mid-1990s saw a return to the band’s original style and marked a successful new chapter in their music history. Frehley’s distinct guitar riffs and solos earned him accolades, placing him among the top 15 of Guitar World’s “100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time.”
Apart from his work with Kiss, Frehley’s solo career showcased his talent and passion for rock music. His albums, such as the platinum-certified “Ace Frehley” and “Space Invader,” garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. In 2016, his album “Origins Vol. 1” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart, solidifying his reputation as a rock music icon.
Throughout his career, Frehley collaborated with renowned musicians such as Mike McCready, Slash, and Lita Ford, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. His tenth solo album, “10,000 Volts,” released shortly before his passing, exemplifies his unwavering passion for creating electrifying rock music.
Former President Donald Trump also recognized Kiss’s cultural significance by naming the band as one of the Kennedy Center honorees. Frehley’s legacy as a rock music pioneer and his contributions to the genre will forever be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike.