Ace Frehley, the founding lead guitarist of Kiss, has died. According to a press release, Frehley sustained injuries following a recent fall at his home. “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,” Frehley’s family shared in a statement. “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension.” He was 74.
Paul Daniel Frehley grew up in the Bronx, New York. He received his first electric guitar as a Christmas present and was a member of several bands before answering Paul Stanley’s ad in 1972 seeking a lead guitarist for Kiss. Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss hired Frehley as a member of the band following his audition. In addition to providing the band’s iconic early riffs and solos, Frehley designed Kiss’ logo.
Like the rest of the band, Frehley was known not only for his playing, but also for his on-stage theatrics and persona. He painted silver stars over his eyes—his persona in the band was “Space Ace” or “the Spaceman.” During solos, his guitar would emit smoke and lights, giving the appearance that it was catching fire. Frehley played on most of Kiss’ most iconic records, including their self-titled debut, Destroyerand Alive!although it took until 1977’s Love Gun for him to deliver his first lead vocal turn on “Shock Me.”
In 1978, all four members of the band released solo albums. Frehley’s was the most successful of the bunch, with his version of “New York Groove” landing on the Billboard singles chart. Frehley grew apart from Kiss’ creative direction and ultimately left the band in 1982. He continued making solo records and albums with his band Frehley’s Comet. His most recent solo album, 10,000 voltswas released last year.
Following an appearance on MTV’s Unpluggedthe four founding members of Kiss reunited between 1995 and 2002; Frehley appeared on their 1998 album Psycho Circus. In 2011, he released his autobiography No Regrets. In 2014, he and the rest of the band’s original members were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Frehley will become the third person ever to receive posthumously a Kennedy Center Honor when Kiss are recognized at the ceremony this December.
Rage Against the Machine’s Tom MorelloPearl Jam’s Mike McCreadyand members of Rush have all paid tribute to Frehley. “Our hearts are broken,” Gene Simmons wrote in a message posted to X. “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!”
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