KISS guitarist Ace Frehley dies at the age of 74

KISS original lead guitarist Ace Frehley has died at the age of 74.

According to a statement from his family, he passed away in New Jersey yesterday, October 16.

"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!"

Lori Lousararian, Frehley's representative, attributed his death to a "recent fall at his home" though the specific cause of death was not immediately available.

KISS released a joint statement following news of his death.

"We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley," KISS said.

"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."

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

KISS frontman Gene Simmons published a seperate statement on X.

"Our hearts are broken," Simmons said.

"Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!"

KISS guitarist Paul Stanley also paid tribute in a post on X, writing, "I remember 1974 being in my room at the Hyatt on Sunset in LA and I heard someone playing deep and fiery guitar in the room next door. I thought 'Boy, I wish THAT guy was in the band!' I looked over the balcony… He was. It was Ace."

I remember 1974 being in my room at the Hyatt on Sunset in LA and I heard someone playing deep and fiery guitar in the room next door. I thought “Boy, I wish THAT guy was in the band!” I looked over the balcony… He was. It was Ace. This is my favorite photo of us… pic.twitter.com/3ojMXqVkQr

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 17, 2025

Radio personality and author Eddie Trunk wrote that he is "crushed" at the death of his "freind of 40 years," adding "this is beyond words for me on many levels." Trunk said he will air a special three hour long tribute show for Frehley on his SiriusXM radio segment.

Gibson, the supplier of many of Frehley's iconic guitars, said they were "deeply saddened" to hear of his death.

"Thank you for the decades of music inspiring generations with your electrifying guitar work and unforgettable stage presence," wrote Gibson on X.

"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."

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,… pic.twitter.com/tRQTGNVCUl

— Gibson (@gibsonguitar) October 16, 2025

Last month, Frehley was forced to cancel a California concert after suffering a separate fall at his home that required hospitalisation.

A note to fans at the time said, "He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time."

Last week, Frehley cancelled all remaining tour dates for 2025, citing "ongoing medical issues."

Born Paul Daniel Frehley in New York City in 1951, the young guitarist played for various small bands before answering a newspaper ad from a group looking for a guitarist with "flash and ability" according to Rolling Stone.

He met lead singer and bassist Simmons, guitarist Stanley and drummer Peter Criss at their Queens rehearsal space.

As KISS, the four of them would become legends of hard rock and glam rock, taking over the 1970s music scene with their iconic bold face paint and elaborate costumes. KISS only had two concerts in Ireland, one at Dublin's O2 in 2010 and another at Belfast's Kings Hall in 1998.

Simmons and Stanley were the primary songswriters of the band, but Frehley penned favourites including 'Shock Me', 'Parasite' and 'Talk To Me'. All four of them were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 2014.

All 26 of KISS's albums were certified gold, selling at least 500,000 in the United States (the most by any American band) and 14 albums went platinum with over 1 million sales.

Some of those records came after Frehley left the band. As a solo artist, Frehley recorded the 1978 hit 'New York Groove.'

Frehley is set to be honored posthumously at the Kennedy Center Honors in December.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette and daughter Monique.