KISS Lead Guitarist and Solo Artist Ace Frehley Dies at 74

The co-founder of the legendary rock band died from injuries sustained in a fall last month.

Summary

• Original KISS lead guitarist and founding member Ace Frehley has died at the age of 74
• Frehley, known as the “Spaceman,” died after suffering complications from a recent brain bleed caused by a fall
• His musical legacy, defined by his signature pyrotechnic guitar and influential rock sound, will always be a part of KISS’s history

The rock world is mourning the loss of a legend. Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and co-founder of the iconic glam rock band KISS, has died at the age of 74. Known to millions as the “Space Ace” for his elaborate galactic makeup and signature pyrotechnic guitar solos, Frehley passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16th, surrounded by his family in Morristown, New Jersey.

Frehley was an essential and irreplaceable force in shaping the band’s theatrical identity and sound during its formative years in the 1970s. His distinctive style and musical contributions were integral to massive hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.” Frehley was the creative energy behind the smoking, rocket-shooting guitars that defined KISS’s unforgettable stage shows.

The announcement of his passing comes after he suffered a brain bleed from a recent fall, which led to a rapid decline in his health and forced the cancellation of his remaining 2025 tour dates. In a joint statement, former bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons expressed their devastation, saying, “He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier… He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.” Frehley is the first of the four original members to pass away, leaving behind a legacy that inspired generations of guitarists to pick up the instrument.