KISS returned to the stage over the weekend for the first time since the death of co-founder and original lead guitarist Paul “Ace” Frehley.
The rock band performed at its three-day KISS Kruise: Landlocked event in Las Vegas, which ran from Friday, Nov. 14, to Sunday, Nov. 16.
During the event, KISS paid an emotional tribute to the former rocker, known to fans as “The Spaceman.”
Frehley died at age 74 on Oct. 16 after suffering an accidental fall at his home, Rolling Stone reported, citing the Morris County, New Jersey, medical examiner.
Lead singer Paul Stanley addressed the crowd, who were holding candles: “Obviously, before we get going — and we’re going to have an awesome time — we just wanted to take a moment to think about somebody who was at the foundation of this band, and we’re talking about Ace. We certainly had differences, but that’s what family is about.”
Frehley’s death was ruled an accident, with the cause being “blunt trauma injuries” to the head sustained from the fall, the medical examiners office confirmed.
A CT scan revealed the rockstar had multiple contusions, bone fractures to the back of his skull, hemorrhages and a subdural hematoma — the pooling of blood between the dura mater (the outer layer of the brain’s membranes) and the brain itself that occurs after a head injury.
Frehley also had multiple bruises on his hip, thigh and abdomen. Rolling Stone noted that the report mentioned the musician had a stroke as well.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” Frehley’s family said. “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. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.”
“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!” they said.
Born on April 27, 1951, Frehley was self-taught in music. In 1973, Frehley, along with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss, formed KISS. The band, famed for its iconic black and white makeup, is known for songs such as “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City” and “Black Diamond.” Also known as “The Spaceman,” Frehley also had a solo career, featuring songs such as “Rock Soldiers” and “Rip it Out.”
All four members of KISS were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
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