Paul “Ace” Frehley, the founding lead guitarist for KISS, passed away on October 16, 2025, at age 74. Variety reports that his death followed injuries sustained in a recent fall.
Frehley’s career was marked by his role in shaping KISS’s early sound and image. He joined the band in 1973 and quickly became synonymous with their theatrical style, adopting his “Spaceman” persona and contributing highly memorable guitar parts and solos.
In recent weeks, Frehley had canceled show dates, citing health issues. Reports state that after his fall in September, he suffered brain bleeding, was placed on life support, and remained hospitalized in New Jersey until his death.
His former bandmates, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, issued a joint statement mourning the loss: “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most foundational chapters of the band and its history.”
Frehley also found success outside KISS, notably with his 1978 solo album that included the hit “New York Groove.” He formed the band Frehley’s Comet after leaving KISS in 1982, and later rejoined for reunion tours.
Musicians and fans across genres have paid tribute. Bret Michaels posted: “Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music … your lead guitar on ‘Nothing But A Good Time.’”
Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette and daughter Monique. His legacy—as a guitarist, showman, and rock innovator—will continue inspiring new generations.
