Ace Frehley, the iconic guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band KISS, passed away on Thursday at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey. His family announced the news, expressing they were “completely devastated and heartbroken,” while also pledging to cherish the memories they hold of him.
In the wake of his passing, an interview from earlier this year resurfaced, in which Frehley discussed his hopes for longevity. In March 2023, he shared with The Aquarian that he believed he would live a long life, attributing this to his “good genes.” He noted that his father lived to be 96 and his mother 86, with longevity also present in his maternal family. “I just spoke to a psychic. She goes, ‘Ace, you’re going to live to be a hundred.’ So I said, ‘No problem,'” he recounted.
Frehley’s death marks a poignant moment for KISS, as he is the first of the band’s four founding members to pass away. The group, known for its theatrical performances and marketing prowess, rose to fame in the mid-1970s with hits such as “Beth,” which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976. Alongside Frehley, the original lineup included singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley, he grew up in a musical environment and began playing guitar at the age of 13. Before joining KISS, Frehley played in various local bands in New York City and even worked as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix at 18. His contributions to KISS were significant, as he was known for his flamboyant stage persona, dubbed Space Ace, and for pushing the boundaries of rock performance with pyrotechnics that made his guitars glow and emit smoke.
In a joint statement, Simmons and Stanley reflected on Frehley’s impact, saying, “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.”
Frehley’s journey in music has left an indelible mark not only on KISS but on the rock genre as a whole. His innovative spirit and connection to his fans will be remembered as part of his lasting legacy. As the world mourns his passing, many will also celebrate the vibrant life and remarkable career that he led.
