Original KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley Dies at 74

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 8:05pm CT

Ace Frehley

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and co-founder of KISS, died Thursday in Morristown, NJ, at age 74 following complications from a fall last month. Frehley had been hospitalized in September after an earlier fall that led him to cancel several concert dates in the Midwest.

Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, he began playing guitar at 13 and earned the nickname "Ace" at 16 for his reputation as a reliable "ace" at finding dates for his bandmates. He joined KISS in 1973 after answering a Village Voice ad placed by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, helping form what would become one of the most recognizable rock bands in history.

Frehley designed the band's now-iconic logo and performed as "The Spaceman" - complete with silver face paint and guitars rigged with pyrotechnic effects. He contributed to early classics like "Cold Gin," "Shock Me," and "Parasite," and sang on several tracks, including the hit "New York Groove" from his 1978 solo album, the most successful of KISS's four solo releases.

Frehley left KISS in 1982 to form Frehley's Comet, returning for the band's 1996 reunion and staying until 2002. Over his career, KISS released 11 albums that went gold or platinum in the U.S. and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

In a statement, Frehley's family said they were "devastated and heartbroken," adding, "We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others."

Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, and several nieces and nephews.

The Benztown Audio Tribute to Ace Frehley, voiced by Darren Silva and produced by Thomas Green, honors the life and legacy of the legendary guitarist. Listen to the tribute at Benztown Audio Tribute to Ace Frehley here.