Ace Frehley – part of rock band KISS who were formed in New York City in 1973 and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 – has passed away in the US
Ace Frehley of the band KISS has died, his family have announced.
The devastating news comes after the band’s original guitarist was placed on life support after suffering a bleed on the brain following a fall in his studio several weeks ago, which led to the cancellation of his upcoming tour dates.
His family said: “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!”
After his fall and the subsequent cancellation of his tour, a statement posted on his official Instagram page on 25 September reassured fans: “He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time.”
However, a week later, another statement was released: “Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates.”
Frehley was a founding member of KISS alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss. He played guitar for the band from 1973 to 1982 before leaving due to creative differences and struggles with substance abuse.
After departing KISS, Frehley embarked on a solo career, forming the band Frehley’s Comet, which performed together from 1984 to 1988. He rejoined KISS for their 1996 reunion tour, the Alive/Worldwide Tour, and stayed with them until 2002.
Frehley was a founding member of KISS alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss. He played guitar for the band from 1973 to 1982 before leaving due to creative differences and struggles with substance abuse.
After departing KISS, Frehley embarked on a solo career, forming the band Frehley’s Comet, which performed together from 1984 to 1988. He rejoined KISS for their 1996 reunion tour, the Alive/Worldwide Tour, and stayed with them until 2002.
Last week, it was revealed Gene was rushed to hospital following a car crash. He was taken to a Malibu hospital after fainting at the wheel and crashing his car into a parked vehicle.
Gene, 76, crashed his Lincoln Navigator into a parked car whilst driving along the Pacific Coast Highway after passing out. He was taken to hospital but has now been released and it recuperating at home, according to his wife, Shannon Tweed.
