Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has passed away at the age of 74. The news comes only hours after TMZ.com reported that the legendary musician had been hospitalized and placed on life support following a brain bleed caused by a fall in his studio a few weeks ago.
Frehley’s family shared the following statement with Variety: “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!”
Earlier this month, Frehley canceled the remaining dates of his 2025 tour, citing unspecified “medical issues.”
The legendary guitarist made the announcement two weeks after withdrawing from his scheduled performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California, following a minor fall at his home.
At the time of the fair’s cancellation, it was reported that Frehley had “a minor fall in his studio, resulting in a hospital visit”. Doctors later advised him to avoid traveling so he could fully recover from his injuries.
Frehley played on KISS’s first nine studio albums and later rejoined the band for their 1998 reunion record, Psycho Circus, before departing once more. In 2014, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the rest of KISS’s original lineup.
He initially left the group in 1982, returned in 1996, and exited again in 2002 following the end of KISS’s first “farewell tour”. After his departure, guitarist Tommy Thayer took over the role of the Spaceman.
