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Cause of death revealed after KISS guitarist Ace Frehley dies aged 74
Ace Frehley, the iconic guitarist best known for his role in the legendary rock band KISS, has sadly passed away
Frehley, who co-founded the band in 1973, was 74 years old and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall.
His death has left fans, fellow musicians, and loved ones in mourning.
The Devastating Loss of Ace Frehley
Frehley’s family issued a heartfelt statement following his passing, expressing the overwhelming grief they felt.
"We are completely devastated and heartbroken. 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," the statement read, as reported by Variety.
"We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others."
The family also emphasized the magnitude of his death: "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!”
The family further confirmed that the musician passed away due to the injuries he sustained in a recent fall.
KISS’s Founding Member: Ace Frehley’s Impact on Rock History
Frehley was a foundational member of KISS, joining forces with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss in 1972 to create one of the most influential rock bands of all time, per Sky News.
Despite KISS being initially overlooked by critics for their larger-than-life personas and explosive stage shows, they eventually became pioneers in the glam rock genre.
Frehley’s unique style and presence were integral to the band’s image and sound.
In 1978, KISS took an unprecedented step when all four members released solo albums.
Frehley’s album, featuring the hit "New York Groove," garnered a very favorable response from critics and fans.
Recollections from Fellow Rock Legends
The loss of Ace Frehley has not only devastated his family but has also struck a deep chord with fellow musicians.
Rockstar Alice Cooper, a long-time friend and collaborator of Frehley, paid tribute to the guitarist, calling him "an absolute guitar hero."
In an Instagram post, Cooper shared his heartfelt sentiments: "The worst part of being in rock ‘n’ roll at this point is the fact that some of our fraternity have just reached that age where… they leave the planet."
Cooper continued, reflecting on Frehley’s influence and friendship: "Some of the guys that started 30, 40, 50 years ago are starting to go, and of course Ace Frehley from Kiss, one of the pioneers – one of the great guitar players out there … Ace was an absolute Guitar hero to so many people."
Cooper, who toured with Frehley on numerous occasions, added: “He always brought it every night. He did it every night. And it’s just hard to see somebody like that go."
KISS’s Heartfelt Tribute to Their “Irreplaceable” Member
KISS, the band that Frehley helped shape into an international phenomenon, also shared their tribute.
"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," the band’s statement read.
“He is and will always be a part of Kiss’s legacy.
"Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique, and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world."