Kiss Founding Guitarist Ace Frehley Dies at 74
Famed musician Ace Frehley, known as the lead guitarist and a founding member of the iconic rock group Kiss, passed away at 74, as verified by Us Weekly.
“Our hearts are utterly shattered and broken. During his final moments, we were blessed to be able to envelop him with expressions of love, comfort, tranquility, positive thoughts, prayers, and good wishes as he departed from this world,” Frehley’s loved ones shared in a public announcement with Us on Thursday, October 16. “We hold dear all the beautiful times we shared, his joyful spirit, and honor the fortitude and benevolence he showed to everyone. The significance of his departure is monumental, and truly difficult to grasp. Remembering his extraordinary accomplishments throughout his life, Ace will be eternally remembered!”
His family confirmed that Frehley died serenely, with relatives by his side, in Morristown, New Jersey, after experiencing a recent accident at his residence.
His manager, John Ostrosky, informed Us on Thursday, stating, “From 1976 onward, Space Ace was my personal hero. His compassion, concern, and readiness to guide others were evident right up to his last day. The impact he had on me will endure eternally.”
This announcement follows by 10 days Frehley's declaration that he was postponing all remaining solo concert dates for 2025, due to health concerns.
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“Because of persistent health problems, Ace has decided, with regret, to call off the rest of his scheduled 2025 performances,” he posted on Facebook on October 6.
This occurred only two weeks after he called off a September 26 performance while recovering from an incident that sent him to the hospital.
“To our beloved Rock Soldiers, Ace experienced a slight tumble in his studio, which led to a visit to the hospital,” Ostrosky shared on Facebook on the same day. “He is recovering well, but contrary to his preference, his physician has advised him to avoid travel currently. Consequently, he must cancel his scheduled appearance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California, on Friday, September 26th.”
Frehley gained widespread recognition as The Spaceman, also known as Space Ace, within Kiss, performing with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. The group rose to fame in the 1970s, ultimately achieving 14 platinum records and being honored with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
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The ensemble concluded their touring career in 2023 but had plans to reconvene for the Kiss Army fan club's 50th-anniversary celebration in November. Additionally, Kiss intends to launch a 50th-anniversary version of their album Dressed to Kill on October 24.
Frehley, on his own, launched his most recent solo record, 10,000 Volts, in 2024 and informed SiriusXM in February that he was crafting another collection of cover tracks named Origins Vol. 3.
Born in The Bronx in 1951, the guitarist began playing the instrument as a young adolescent. He became a part of Kiss in 1973, following an audition for the three other original members, who had already formed a group. The band put out seven studio and two live records between 1974 and 1979, and their signature makeup and stage attire established them as one of the era's most distinctive musical acts.
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Frehley departed from the ensemble in 1982 due to artistic disagreements with the other active members (Criss was removed from the band in 1980). Subsequently, he established his own group, Frehley’s Comet, before pursuing a career as a solo artist. He later rejoined Kiss for a comeback tour in 1996.
Frehley tied the knot with Jeanette Trerotola in 1976, and they had a daughter together, Monique, now 45. Their legal marriage was still valid in 2018, despite Frehley having been betrothed to Rachael Gordon since 2010.
He and Gordon separated in 2019 after spending 11 years as a couple. Approximately at the same period, Frehley encountered Lara Cove at a Kiss fan event in New Jersey. They later became engaged but parted ways in 2024.
