Ace Frehley, KISS Co-Founder, Passes Away at 74 in New Jersey

Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of the iconic rock band KISS, passed away at the age of 74 on Thursday in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall. His family expressed their profound grief, stating they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” while vowing to cherish the memories they have of him. Just months prior to his death, Frehley made poignant comments regarding his longevity and aspirations for the future.

Reflecting on Longevity and Life

In a March 2023 interview with The Aquarian, Frehley shared his belief that he would live a long life, attributing it to his family’s history of longevity. He remarked, “Luckily, I have good genes. My dad lived to be 96 and my mom lived to be 86, but her older sister lived to be 99.” He even recounted a conversation with a psychic who predicted he would reach the age of 100, to which he responded, “No problem.”

These reflections come from a musician who faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including battles with depression, alcoholism, and drug addiction. In a 2014 interview, Frehley discussed the pressures that often accompany fame in the music industry, shedding light on the darker sides of a rock star’s life.

A Storied Career with KISS

Born Paul Daniel Frehley, he began his musical journey at the age of 13. Before his time with KISS, he played in various local bands around New York City and worked as a roadie for the legendary Jimi Hendrix at 18. KISS rose to prominence in the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and establishing a distinct brand that became synonymous with rock and roll.

The band was known not only for its musical achievements but also for its theatrical performances, characterized by elaborate costumes and pyrotechnics. Hits such as “Beth,” which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976, and “Rock and Roll All Nite” became anthems of a generation. The original lineup also included singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss.

The persona of Frehley, known as Space Ace and The Spaceman, was central to the band’s identity. His innovative use of pyrotechnics, such as making his guitars emit smoke and shoot rockets, captivated audiences and contributed to KISS’s legendary status in rock history.

Frehley’s passing marks the first death among the four founding members of KISS. In a joint statement, Stanley and Simmons expressed their sorrow, saying, “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.”

As fans and fellow musicians mourn the loss of this rock icon, Frehley’s contributions to music and his vibrant spirit will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.