Ace Frehley, The Spaceman of Kiss, Has Passed Away

Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of Kiss, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in The Bronx, New York, he grew into one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. With his distinctive sound, technical flair, and sense of showmanship, he helped define the rock language of the 1970s.

Frehley began playing guitar at a young age and was inspired by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones. In 1973, he joined Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss to form Kiss, the band that would become a global phenomenon. He designed the iconic Kiss logo and created his own persona, “The Spaceman”, complete with silver makeup, smoke and fire effects, and his famous guitar that literally shot sparks during performances.

Within Kiss, Frehley was responsible for some of the band’s most recognizable songs. He wrote and sang on tracks including “Shock Me”, “Cold Gin”, “Parasite”, and “Rocket Ride”. His guitar style, combining powerful riffs with melodic solos, gave Kiss a raw yet accessible energy. In 1978, he released his solo album “Ace Frehley”, featuring the hit “New York Groove”, which became a classic in rock history.

After leaving Kiss in 1982, Frehley formed his own band, Frehley’s Comet, achieving international success. In the 1990s, he returned for Kiss’s major reunion tour, rejoining the original lineup on stage. He continued his solo career with albums such as “Anomaly”, “Space Invader”, “Origins Vol. 1”, and “10,000 Volts”.

Ace Frehley was known as a guitarist with unpolished charm and a sense of humor. His sound was powerful yet melodic, and his playing instantly recognizable. He was frequently cited as an influence by generations of rock and metal musicians, who saw in him a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and authenticity.

Frehley spoke openly about his struggles with addiction and his quest for balance away from the spotlight. In interviews, he was candid and self-reflective, yet grateful for the second chances life had given him. He spent his later years largely outside New York, focusing on music, painting, and his family.

Ace Frehley died at the age of 74.