KISS Co-Founder Ace Frehley Dies At Age 74 – Former Bandmates Pay Tribute
on Oct 17, 2025
Ace Frehley, One Of The Original Guitarists In KISS, Died Following A Fall At Home
The rock and roll world is mourning the loss of KISS‘ Ace Frehley, who died on October 16 at the age of 74.
Frehley passed away after suffering a fall at his home in late September. His family confirmed the news of his death and shared their heartbreak in a statement they provided to PEOPLE.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” the statement read. “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!”
Ace Frehley co-founded KISS in 1973. He played guitar on some of the group’s most iconic songs, including “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.”
Frehley left KISS in 1982. He reunited with the group a few times following his departure.
Stanley, Simmons, Frehley, and Peter Criss were inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (as KISS) in 2014. Simmons spoke about Frehley during the ceremony.
“His iconic guitar playing has been imitated, but never duplicated, by generations of guitar players around the world,” he said.
Frehley also enjoyed a successful solo career. Some of his most notable hits included “Rip It Out” and a cover of “New York Groove.”
KISS’ Gene Simmons And Paul Stanley Honor Frehley
After news broke about Ace Frehley’s death, his former bandmates, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, were quick to pay tribute. They released a joint statement to PEOPLE, saying:
“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.”
Simmons and Stanley added, “He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.”
A similar statement was shared on KISS’ official social media pages alongside a photo of Frehley.
Simmons and Stanley sent their condolences to Frehley’s family and fans, saying their thoughts were with “all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Peter Criss shared a tribute to Frehley on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “I’m shocked!!! My friend… I love you!“
I'm shocked!!!
— Peter Criss (@RealPeterCriss) October 16, 2025
My friend… I love you!#KissArmy #AceFrehley #Kiss#Spaceman
😿😿😿😿😿😿 pic.twitter.com/8CfPJKY5aQ
Stanley also took to social media to share his favorite photo with Frehley. You can see that photo below.
He recalled being in a hotel in Los Angeles in 1974 when he heard someone playing guitar. “I thought ‘Boy, I wish THAT guy was in the band!’ I looked over the balcony… He was. It was Ace.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Ace Frehley’s loved ones, bandmates, and fans during this sad time.
