Ace Frehley death: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Kriss lead tributes to Kiss bandmate
Former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley has passed away at the age of 74, as confirmed by his family in a joint statement.
Reporting the tragic news to the world, Frehley’s family said, “We are completely devastated and heartbroken. 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.”
As the news of Frehley’s passing in his home in Morristown, New Jersey, on October 16th, broke on the internet, fans, colleagues and other prominent musicians who knew Frehley took to social media platforms to share their memories about the legendary guitarist.
In light of the news, his former band shared on social media, “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 all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
On X, Gene Simmons said, “Our hearts are broken. 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 honoured at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”
Peter Kriss wrote on Facebook: “With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well. I love you my brother. My love and prayers go out to Jeanette, Monique, Charlie and Nancy and all of Ace’s extended family, bandmates, fans and friends. May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time.”
In a joint statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons wrote, “I am 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. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
“The news of Ace’s passing is devastating to the world of rock,” Bruce Kulick said. “It has deeply affected me as well. He was one of a kind, and truly an iconic guitar player. His undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS cannot be forgotten. Not only was he loved by all, he influenced millions of guitarists around the world.”
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Outside of his bandmates in Kiss, recently reunited prog-rock legends Rush also honoured Frehley, writing on social media, writing on Instagram, “Absolutely stunned and saddened by the news Ace Frehley has tragically passed away.”
They also shared their first memories of the guitarist, “Back in 1974, as the opening act for KISS, Alex, Neil and myself spent many a night hanging out together in his hotel room after shows, doing whatever nonsense we could think of, just to make him break out his inimitable and infectious laugh.”
Rush added, “He was an undeniable character and an authentic rock star. RIP Ace .. thanks for welcoming us newbies into the rock and roll world.”
Meanwhile, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready explained how he grew up idolising Frehley, sharing, “Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly over the years.”
He also poignantly recalled, “Ace jammed on ‘Black Diamond’ with Pearl Jam at Madison Square Garden…a dream come true for me. I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence. RIP it out Ace, you changed my life. Thank you.”
Rage Against the Machine icon Tom Morello wrote on X: “My first guitar hero, Ace Frehley, has passed away. The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n roll and love rock n roll guitar playing. His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten.”
He powerfully concluded, “Thank you, Ace, for a lifetime of great music and memories.”
See a section of the tributes below.
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