Ace Frehley of KISS died at the age of 74 on October 16, 2025

 

ACE FREHLEY R.I.P.

 born April 27, 1951died at the age of 74 on October 16, 2025

ACE FREHLEY R.I.P.

Ace Frehley Born April 27, 1951, died at the age of 74 on October 16, 2025, 

following complications from a fall that led to a brain bleed. 

His family confirmed he passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Ace Frehley was the original lead guitarist and a founding member of KISS, 

and his role was nothing short of foundational. 

As the “Spaceman,” he brought a unique blend of swagger, melody, 

and controlled chaos to the band’s sound, a perfect foil to the theatrical bombast 

of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. His guitar work defined the band’s early albums, 

with iconic solos on tracks like “Shock Me,” “Cold Gin,” and “Parasite” 

that balanced raw power with a bluesy, spacey feel.

Frehley wasn’t just a player, he was a tone-setter. 

His use of effects, smoking guitars, and even a custom Les Paul that shot rockets helped 

shape KISS’s live spectacle. 

But more importantly, his playing inspired generations of guitarists. 

Ace Frehley was the reason many picked up a guitar. 

Not because he was the fastest or flashiest, but because every note 

he played felt like it mattered. He made it look fun, dangerous, and attainable.

His impact extended beyond KISS. 

His 1978 solo album was the most successful of the four KISS solo records, 

and his post-KISS work. 

His solo debut in ’78 proved he didn’t need the makeup to shine. 

“New York Groove” was a hit, but it was the deeper cuts like “Rip It Out” 

that showed his heart. His later work, from Frehley’s Comet to 10,000 Volts, 

showed a man still chasing the stars, still playing like it mattered. 

And it did. 

To me, and to countless others who saw in Ace a kind of beautiful imperfection, 

the kind that made rock feel real. 

That honesty, musically and personally, resonated with fans who saw themselves 

in his flaws and fire. Ace Frehley was the Spaceman, yes. 

But he was also the heartbeat of a generation that believed in loud guitars, big dreams, 

and being unapologetically yourself. A reminder that rock could be fun, dangerous, 

and deeply human. 

His passing leaves a crater in the galaxy of rock, 

but his influence will echo in every bent note and every kid who dares 

to play loud and weird. 

Rest easy, Spaceman. You were one of a kind. (Butterboy)

Never a KISS fan (they didn’t really travel well across to the UK IMHO)

 but I appreciated that Butterboy posted this tribute and if you follow 

the links you will get access to his profile download with his usual 

thoroughness.