Ace Frehley, guitarist and founding member of the rock group Kiss, has died. He was 74.
The musician suffered a fall at home in September, and TMZ reported earlier today that he had sustained a brain bleed which left him on life support.
His death was announced by his family. In a statement to Rolling Stone, they said: “We are completely devastated and heartbroken. 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!”
Tributes have since poured in for the guitarist with his former bandmates and fellow musicians, praising Frehley’s talents.
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons
“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. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.” — the founding members of Kiss said in a statement.
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. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and… pic.twitter.com/y19anvZXbz
— KISS (@kiss) October 17, 2025
Alice Cooper
In tribute, rock legend Alice Cooper wrote: “The worst part of being in rock ‘n’ roll at this point is the fact that some of our fraternity have just reached that age where… they leave the planet. Some of the guys that started 30, 40, 50 years ago are starting to go, and of course Ace Frehley from KISS, one of the pioneers - one of the great guitar players out there…Ace was an absolute Guitar hero to so many people. I did more tours with him than anybody else, as far as opening for us, for quite a long time, so we became quite good friends. And you know, he always brought it every night. He did it every night. And it’s just hard to see somebody like that go. We know that right now that the KISS fans are certainly in mourning and certainly his family and certainly everybody that knew him. Ace was an ACE.”
Peter Criss
On his website, Kiss’s original drummer Peter Criss said he had a “deep sadness” and a “broken heart” to learn of Frehley’s death. “He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well. I love you my brother. My love and prayers go out to Jeanette, Monique, Charlie and Nancy and all of Ace's extended family, bandmates, fans and friends. May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time. As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in Ace's solo career, Ace influenced and touched the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the Kiss Army. At this time I ask all of you to please be respectful to Ace's family and allow them to grieve privately. To the KISS Army and Ace's Rock Soldiers, my heart is with you all... Broken...”
Pearl Jam
“I heard about Ace Frehley‘s passing from Rick Friel who I played with in a band called Shadow. Rick was also the first guy on the bus in 1977 with a KISS lunchbox to tell me about Ace…just changed my life. I got a guitar in 1978 to 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.
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." Kiss are due to receive the Kennedy Center Honor in Decemeber this year. Frehley will become only the third person to receive the award posthumously.
Tom Morello
The Rage Against the Machine guitarist wrote: “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.”
Bruce Kulick
Guitarist Bruce Kulick, who joined Kiss in 1984, said: “The news of Ace’s passing is devastating to the world of rock. It has deeply affected me as well. He was one of a kind, and truly an iconic guitar player. His undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS cannot be forgotten. Not only was he loved by all, he influenced millions of guitarists around the world. RIP."
Gibson
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Ace Frehley. Thank you for the decades of music inspiring generations with your electrifying guitar work and unforgettable stage presence. Your sound helped define rock ’n’ roll. Our thoughts are with Ace’s family, friends, and fans around the world. Rest easy, Spaceman—your legacy will live on forever,” said guitar manufacturer Gibson.
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Steve Vai
Fellow rock guitarist, Steve Vai, said that Frehley was the “embodiment of rock ’n’ roll attitude – unapologetic, loud, and irresistibly catchy”. In his tribute, Vai added: “His riffs had swagger, his tone had bite, and his presence lit up stages like a supernova. The Spaceman has left the stage, but his orbit will shine forever.”
Steve Van Zandt
Musician and Sopranos actor, Van Zandt wrote on X/Twitter: “RIP Ace Frehley. Just as Kiss has been underrated as a band all these years, so was Ace underrated as a guitar player. The original band had that magical undefinable chemistry that all great bands have, and his writing also contributed to their success. Our love and condolences go out to his family.”
Pantera
In a special tribute, metal act Pantera shared a slide show of their former guitarist Dimebag Darrell, who died in 2004, and his childhood love of Frehley. The group wrote: “RIP Ace Frehley. We are so beyond sad to hear of Ace’s passing. Both Ace & Kiss were a huge influence on all of Pantera, but especially Dime’s obsession with Ace dates back to his early childhood. You will be missed, Ace.”
RIP Ace Frehley. We are so beyond sad to hear of Ace’s passing. Both Ace & Kiss were a huge influence on all of Pantera, but especially @dimebagdarrell Dime’s obsession with Ace dates back to his early childhood.
— Pantera (@Pantera) October 17, 2025
You will be missed, Ace. pic.twitter.com/EYf6y0ZRFR
Frehley is survived by his ex-wife Jeanette Trerotola, who he married in 1976, and his daughter Monique Frehley.
