A heartbroken Gene Simmons and KISS founder Paul Stanley have released a joint statement sharing their devastation over bandmate Ace Frehley’s death aged 74
KISS stars Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley paid tribute to their bandmate, Ace Frehley, after the rocker died aged 74. 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.
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.” A week later, another statement was released revealing Ace had to cancel his tour.
Following the news of his death, KISS’ Gene and Paul released a statement revealing their ‘devastation’ over the loss.
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The rocker issued a joint statement with Paul, telling The Hollywood Reporter: “I am 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. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
In a solo statement shared on social media, Gene said: “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 Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”
Ace’s family released a statement after he died, announcing: “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!”
He 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, Ace 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.
Ace’s death comes after 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. His wife, Shannon Tweed, said he has been recuperating at home.
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