Rock World Mourns the Loss of Ace Frehley
The rock world is in mourning after the passing of Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist who helped catapult KISS into music history. Known to fans as The Spaceman, his electrifying riffs, signature Les Paul, and cosmic stage persona defined a generation of rock.
Frehley passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, at the age of 74, surrounded by family.
Within hours, tributes poured in from across the globe — from lifelong fans to some of the biggest names in rock — celebrating a man whose sound, swagger, and spirit shaped the essence of American rock ’n’ roll.
Peter Criss Remembers a Brother
Peter Criss, KISS’s original drummer, was by Frehley’s side in his final hours. Shortly after his passing, Criss shared a heartfelt message:
“With a broken heart, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were there too. I love you, my brother.”
Criss extended condolences to Frehley’s family — his estranged wife Jeanette and daughter Monique — and asked fans to respect their privacy.
“As a founding member of KISS and in his solo career, Ace touched the hearts of millions.”
Simmons and Stanley Pay Tribute
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Frehley’s longtime bandmates, released a joint statement calling him “an irreplaceable rock soldier” and affirming that “he will always be part of KISS’s legacy.”
Simmons later revealed that Frehley had been set to receive a Kennedy Center Honor in December 2025 — a recognition he sadly never lived to witness.