Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for KISS, died Thursday at 74. His family confirmed he had been hospitalized, placed on life support, and later removed from a ventilator.
The musician suffered a fall several weeks ago while at his studio, which caused a brain bleed. His condition worsened, ultimately leading to the decision to end life-sustaining treatment.
Frehley was one of the four founding members of KISS, along with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. Known for his "Spaceman," Frehley helped launch the band in 1973. In a statement to USA Today, Frehley's family 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!"
He played with KISS during their rise through the 1970s and into the early ’80s, contributing to the group’s signature sound on tracks such as Detroit Rock City, I Was Made for Lovin’ You, and Rock and Roll All Nite.
Internal conflict and substance abuse issues led to Frehley’s departure in 1982. He returned to music with his own group, Frehley’s Comet, in 1984. The band performed and recorded until 1988.
Frehley later rejoined KISS for their 1996 reunion tour, donning the iconic silver makeup once again. He stayed with the band until 2002.
While known primarily for his work with KISS, Frehley also enjoyed success as a solo artist too. A version of New York Groove became a staple of his live performances.
He also covered Into the Night and continued releasing solo material well after leaving KISS.
Though Frehley was the first founding member to die, the band lost another longtime contributor in 1991. Eric Carr, who replaced original drummer Peter Criss in 1980, died of heart cancer at 41.
Alongside Simmons’ fire-breathing and Stanley’s dramatic zip-line entrances, Frehley delivered a visual and musical edge that became a staple of KISS’s high-voltage shows.
The death follows Gene Simmons' recent car crash.
"Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes," Simmons posted on X on October 8th. "I'm completely fine. I had a slight fender bender. It happens. Especially to those of us (who are) horrible drivers. And that's me. All is well."
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