Original lead guitarist of KISS, Ace Frehley passed away at the age of 74, in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by his family, following a fall and health complications. One week after his passing, an intimate memorial celebrating the life of the legendary guitarist took place in New York City’s Bronx borough.
Eddie Trunk details Ace Frehley’s funeral
On the Eddie Trunk radio show, Trunk detailed the funeral of Ace Frehley. Trunk revealed that he was asked to help carry out Ace’s casket on the 2nd day. KISS bandmate Peter Criss played some of his new solo record during lunch after the Funeral.
Eddie Trunk further revealed that he shook hands with both Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley after the Funeral. Gene attended the lunch after the funeral, but Paul Stanley did not.
Trunk said that the Funeral was just a standard Catholic funeral and that Ace’s casket was blue, matching the color on his solo record.
Eddie Trunk, who was a close friend of Frehley, shared reflections on the funeral and confirmed the Kiss members’ attendance.
On social media, he wrote, “Ace Frehley has now been laid to rest in Bronx, NY. It has been an emotional couple of days to say the least, saying farewell to a rock icon and long-time friend. All of the services went as well as they could and were attended by a small group of family and close friends, including the 3 surviving original members of Kiss.”
Trunk also announced plans for a future tribute show to honor the guitarist with the blessing of Frehley’s family. He wrote, “That’s something I feel, and many others feel, is deserved and should happen.”
Gene Simmons also paid tribute on X as he wrote, “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 honored at the Kennedy Center Honors event in December. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”
Frehley, popular for his work on classics like “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” and his solo hit “New York Groove,” was a key force in defining the spectacle of 1970s hard rock. His passing comes just months before he, along with the other original Kiss members, was slated to be honored at the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors ceremony in December.
Justin Hawkins also paid tribute and recalled an incident with Ace Frehley. He had publicly called out Ace for wearing a wig and for requiring “wig adhesive” in his rider, which delayed The Darkness’s set.
Hawkins expressed frustration that Frehley’s demands caused the delay, stating it was disrespectful to other bands and fans. During a tribute video, Hawkins recalled speaking to Frehley after that comment.
