Rock Legend Ace Frehley of KISS: Remembering the Iconic Guitarist's Legacy at 74

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Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band KISS, who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, has died. He was 74.

Frehley died peacefully, surrounded by family, in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall, according to his agent.

Family members said in a statement they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.

KISS, whose hits included Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City, was known for its theatrical stage shows, with fireworks, smoking instruments and fake blood spewing from the mouths of band members in body armour, platform boots, wigs and signature black-and-white face paint.

In their iconic rock band days, members took on larger-than-life personas akin to characters from a comic book, with Ace Frehley adopting the moniker of Space Ace, also known as the Spaceman.

Ace Frehley delivered a memorable performance at the Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, located at The LINQ Promenade, back in 2016. The event took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, capturing the energy and charisma that Frehley was famous for.

The rock community was struck by the announcement from Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who expressed their sorrow in a joint statement, saying, “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley.” Their words echoed the sentiment felt by fans worldwide.

Three guitarists with face paint and elaborate costumes perform on a stage.

Ace Frehley, along with his fellow band members, was honored with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing their legacy in the annals of music history.

Frehley left the band in 1982, skipping the years when they took off the makeup and had mixed success. He performed both as a solo artist and with his band, Frehley’s Comet.

But he rejoined KISS in the mid-1990s for a triumphant reunion and restoration of their original style that came after bands including Nirvana, Weezer and the Melvins had expressed their affection for the band and paid them musical tributes.