min read · October 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Ace Frehley's Legacy: KISS Rock Icon Passes at 74

SHOCKING NEWS ROCKS THE MUSIC WORLD: ACE FREHLEY, KISS FOUNDER AND GUITAR LEGEND, PASSES AWAY AT 74

In a devastating blow to the music world, Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of iconic rock band KISS, has passed away at the age of 74. The news sent shockwaves through the industry, with fans and fellow musicians alike mourning the loss of a true legend.

According to sources close to the family, Frehley's health began to deteriorate after a recent fall at his home, which triggered a medical crisis that left him on life support. Despite efforts to revive him, doctors reportedly saw little improvement, leading to the heartbreaking decision to remove him from life support.

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, KISS's iconic co-founders, issued a joint statement expressing their "devastated" emotions over Frehley's passing. "He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history," they wrote. "He is and will always be a part of KISS's legacy."

The news sparked an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, including Poison frontman Bret Michaels, who shared a photo of himself with Frehley on Instagram, writing, "Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we've done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time." Michaels added, "All my love and respect, from my family and myself - may you rest in peace!!!"

Other notable tributes came from Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine, who shared a photo of Frehley with the caption, "My first guitar hero, Ace Frehley, has passed away. The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n roll and love rock n roll guitar playing." Morello added, "His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the wobble and his unforgettable laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten."

MJ Keenan of Tool also paid tribute on Instagram, writing, "Godspeed, Ace," while The Hollywood Walk of Fame honored Frehley's legacy by placing flowers on his star. The Kennedy Center issued a statement expressing their sadness over Frehley's passing, saying they would pay tribute to him and his work at their ceremony in December.

Frehley's family released a statement thanking fans for their support, writing, "We are completely devastated and heartbroken" but also relieved that they were able to provide him with comfortable conditions at the end. They added, "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."

As news of Frehley's passing spread, rumors began to circulate that he had passed away in 2024 after a fall at home. However, sources close to the family confirmed that he had actually suffered a brain bleed and was on life support for days before the decision was made to remove him from it.

Frehley's legacy as a guitarist and songwriter is immeasurable. He helped shape KISS's iconic sound with his innovative use of pyrotechnics, elaborate costumes, and wigs. His guitar playing style inspired countless musicians, including Richie Kotzen, who shared a photo of himself with Frehley on Instagram, writing, "Saddened to hear about the passing of Ace Frehley, a true legend. RIP Hero."

Frehley's impact on rock music extends far beyond his time with KISS. As a solo artist, he released eight studio albums, including Trouble Walkin' (1989), Space Invader (2014), and Origins Vol. 2 (2020). His hit single "New York Groove" remains one of the most iconic songs in rock history.

In a poignant interview with Antihero just months before his passing, Frehley reflected on his life and career, saying, "Out of the four founding members of Kiss, I definitely have been the most successful solo artist." He added, "I'm proud to be influential in my industry. I've had guitar players tell me that they picked up their first guitar because of me."

As the music world mourns the loss of Ace Frehley, his legacy will live on through his music and the countless lives he touched with his innovative spirit and unforgettable performances.

A TRIBUTE TO ACE FREHLEY

In honor of Ace Frehley's memory, we invite you to share your favorite KISS memories, songs, or stories about the guitarist. Please comment below with your tribute.

TheScholarlyNote.com would like to extend its condolences to Ace Frehley's family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his legacy live on forever in the hearts of fans around the world.

A LOOK BACK AT ACE FREHLEY'S CAREER

1973: Frehley co-founded KISS with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss.
1978: Released hit single "New York Groove" as a solo artist.
1982: Left KISS to form his own band, Frehley's Comet.
1996: Rejoined KISS for a reunion tour.
2002: Departed KISS once again to focus on solo career.
2014: Released album "Space Invader" as a solo artist.

READERS SHARE THEIR TRIBUTES TO ACE FREHLEY

We invite you to share your favorite memories, songs, or stories about Ace Frehley. Please comment below with your tribute.

"I'll never forget the first time I saw KISS live," writes reader Emily. "Ace's guitar playing and stage presence blew me away. He was a true rock god."

"I met Ace at a concert in 1982," shares reader Mark. "He signed my album and took the time to talk to me about music. What an incredible person he was."

As the news of Ace Frehley's passing spreads, fans are coming together to share their favorite memories and tributes to the guitarist. Share your own tribute below.

A GALLERY OF ACE FREHLEY'S MOST ICONIC MOMENTS