Rock and roll lost one of its loudest, most iconic voices today. Legendary guitarist Ace Frehley, the founding lead guitarist of KISS and a defining figure of 1970s rock, has died at the age of 74. His family confirmed the devastating news in a statement released early Thursday morning, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans and musicians around the world.
“It is with unimaginable sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Ace,” the family wrote. “He was not just a rock legend, but a father, brother, and friend to so many. His music will live on forever.” The statement, shared with Rolling Stone, did not immediately reveal a cause of death, but noted that he died “peacefully surrounded by loved ones.”
Frehley, known to millions as “The Spaceman,” co-founded KISS in New York City in 1973, helping to craft the band’s unmistakable sound and theatrical image. His blistering guitar solos and celestial persona became essential parts of the group’s identity, propelling them to worldwide fame. As The New York Times recounted, his work on songs like “Shock Me” and “Cold Gin” remains etched into the DNA of rock music.
“It is with unimaginable sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Ace. His music will live on forever.” — Frehley family @RollingStone
Fans began flooding social media within minutes of the announcement. One viral post on X simply read: “The Spaceman has left the stage,” accompanied by a photo of Frehley in full makeup, bathed in blue light. Tributes also poured in from fellow rockers, with Gene Simmons posting: “I’ve lost a brother. The world lost a legend.” His message quickly garnered hundreds of thousands of reactions.
Born in the Bronx in 1951, Frehley grew up in a working-class family before picking up a guitar at 13. As Billboard chronicled, he answered an ad to join a band called Wicked Lester, which eventually evolved into KISS. By the mid-1970s, the group had become a cultural phenomenon — face paint, pyrotechnics, and leather — with Frehley’s lead guitar often setting the night on fire. His stage presence and signature solos made him a hero to generations of aspiring musicians.
His influence extended far beyond the stage. Frehley’s 1978 solo album sold more copies than the solo projects of his bandmates, and tracks like “New York Groove” became instant classics. As The Los Angeles Times noted, he paved the way for countless guitarists who followed, blending technical mastery with pure rock swagger.
“The Spaceman has left the stage.” — Fan tribute on X @latimes
In recent years, Frehley had continued touring and recording, drawing devoted fans to his solo shows and occasional KISS reunions. His personal struggles with addiction and health were well-documented, but he often spoke candidly about his recovery, saying in a 2019 interview with CNN: “I’ve been through hell and back, but music saved me. It always has.”
Tributes from across the music industry reflected not only his artistry but his larger-than-life personality. Paul Stanley, another KISS co-founder, shared: “Ace wasn’t just the sound of KISS. He was the soul of the early days. Nobody played like him. Nobody ever will.” Fellow guitar legends from Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Aerosmith also paid their respects throughout the day.
“Ace wasn’t just the sound of KISS. He was the soul of the early days.” — Paul Stanley @CNN
Outside New York’s Madison Square Garden, where KISS performed some of their most legendary shows, fans began gathering spontaneously, lighting candles and leaving flowers beneath old concert posters. “I saw him live in ’77,” said one fan, choking back tears in an interview with NBC News. “He made me want to pick up a guitar. Tonight, I’ll play ‘Shock Me’ one more time for him.”
Frehley’s death marks the end of an era. For decades, his cosmic persona, silver suit, and explosive solos defined a band that changed rock forever. As The Guardian reflected, he embodied the raw electricity of an age when rock music felt dangerous, untouchable, and larger than life. Even as the band evolved and fractured, his shadow loomed large over its history.
“He lived and died a rock star,” said one longtime friend. “And he did it his way.”
His family has asked for privacy during this time and announced plans for a public memorial in New York City, where fans will be able to pay their respects. They also encouraged donations to addiction recovery programs — a cause Ace often championed in his later years.
“He lived and died a rock star. And he did it his way.” — Longtime friend @guardian
As the tributes continue to pour in, one thing is certain: Ace Frehley was more than a guitarist. He was a symbol of an entire generation — wild, loud, and unforgettable.
