Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist and founding member of KISS recently passed away at the age of 74, in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by his family, following a recent fall and health complications.
Tributes have poured in from rock legends reflecting on his influence in music.
Peter Criss reacts
Original Kiss drummer Peter Criss posted a deeply personal message to his website and social media, stating, “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. As a founding member of the rock group Kiss and in Ace’s solo career, Ace influenced and touched the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the Kiss Army.”
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!”
In a new statement to KISS fans, Ace Frehley’s family also described his last moments before passing. It read:
“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. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
Frehley, known 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.
