Ace Frehley, Legendary Founding KISS Guitarist, Passes Away at 74
Posted on: October 17th, 2025
Ace Frehley, the legendary founding guitarist of KISS, has died at the age of 74 after reportedly suffering a brain bleed following a recent fall at his studio.
"We are completely devastated and heartbroken," Frehley's family said in a statement. "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!"
KISS co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons added, "We are 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. Our thoughts are with [his wife] Jeanette, [his daughter] Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world."
The rock icon had canceled all his remaining tour dates earlier this month, although the severity of his health condition wasn't disclosed at the time. As it turns out, the fall turned out to be fatal, as he succumbed to his injuries on October 16th.
(In Memoriam: April 27, 1951 - October 16, 2025)
"We are completely devastated and heartbroken," Frehley's family said in a statement. "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!"
KISS co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons added, "We are 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. Our thoughts are with [his wife] Jeanette, [his daughter] Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world."
The rock icon had canceled all his remaining tour dates earlier this month, although the severity of his health condition wasn't disclosed at the time. As it turns out, the fall turned out to be fatal, as he succumbed to his injuries on October 16th.
(In Memoriam: April 27, 1951 - October 16, 2025)