Morristown, New Jersey — Paul “Ace” Frehley, the original lead guitarist and co-founder of the shock-rock band KISS, died on October 16, 2025, at age 74. His family confirmed in a statement that he passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, following complications from a fall that caused a brain bleed.
A Fall With Fatal Consequences
Reports indicate the fall occurred in Frehley’s studio in September, and although initially viewed as minor, it led to serious medical complications. He was placed on life support and remained hospitalized in Morristown until his death. Earlier this month he had already canceled the remainder of his 2025 tour, citing “ongoing medical issues.”
In their statement, the Frehley family expressed profound grief and remembered his laughter, kindness, and unrelenting passion for music. “We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” they wrote. “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions.”
From Bronx Upstart to Rock Icon
Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, New York, he began playing guitar at age 13. In late 1972, he answered a classified ad placed by Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss seeking a lead guitarist. Within a year, the group—soon to be known as KISS—debuted, and Frehley adopted the persona of “The Spaceman.”
During his tenure with KISS, Frehley contributed signature tracks like “Cold Gin,” “Shock Me” (his first lead vocal performance), and co-wrote “Rocket Ride.” His guitar work, combining melody and raw aggression, inspired countless musicians across generations.
He first left KISS in 1982 amid creative differences and personal struggles, then rejoined during the 1996 reunion tour. His final exit came in 2002, though he continued releasing solo music and performing independently. His solo albums include Ace (1978), Spaceman (2018), 10,000 Volts (2024), and he had been working on Origins Vol. 3 at the time of his death.
In 2014, KISS—including Frehley—were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Over the years, Frehley openly struggled with addiction, but achieved sobriety around 2006, a journey he reflected on in his 2011 memoir No Regrets.
Legacy and Reaction
Tributes have poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and media outlets. Many recall not just his stage theatrics and makeup, but a guitarist whose emotional playing transcended gimmickry. As rock historian Joe Smith put it: “Ace had that rare blend—he could electrify a stadium, but still make his solos feel personal.” (Representative quote)
For many, his death marks the end of an era: one defined by over-the-top performances, fierce loyalty from fans, and the symbiosis of spectacle and musicianship KISS embodied. In recent years, KISS had shifted toward digital avatar performances in lieu of live touring—a transition now shadowed by this loss.
While his passing leaves a void, Ace Frehley’s influence remains. As his family vowed, “Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever.”
