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Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and KISS cofounder Ace Frehley<\/strong> has died at age 74.<\/p>\n The family of the legendary guitarist confirmed the news in a statement shared to his official Instagram<\/a>, writing, \u201cWe are completely devastated and heartbroken\u2026 Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace\u2019s memory will continue to live on forever.\u201d<\/p>\n As Parade reported<\/a>, Frehley passed away peacefully at his home in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by family after complications from a recent fall. The musician\u2014best known to fans as \u201cThe Spaceman\u201d\u2014helped shape KISS\u2019s sound and larger-than-life stage persona through his signature riffs, fiery solos, and cosmic image.<\/p>\n Within minutes of the announcement, fans began flooding the comments section of his family\u2019s post\u2014sharing gratitude, disbelief, and memories of how Frehley shaped their love of music.<\/p>\n One fan wrote, \u201cMy first guitar hero.\u201d Another added, \u201cThere will never be another like him.\u201d<\/p>\n Many fans reflected on the influence he had on their lives, with one commenting, \u201cThe reason I ever picked up a guitar.\u201d Others simply expressed disbelief and gratitude, writing, \u201cThank you for the music, Ace,\u201d “Love you Space Ace!! You were and are my hero #kissarmy,” and \u201cRest easy, Spaceman.\u201d<\/p>\n Born Paul Daniel Frehley in 1951 in The Bronx, he became KISS’s original lead guitarist after joining via an audition with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley,<\/strong> and Peter Criss<\/strong> in the early 1970s. His cosmic persona, space-themed makeup, and fiery guitar tone were integral to the band\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n He departed KISS in 1982 to focus on solo projects and founding his own band, Frehley\u2019s Comet. In 1996, he rejoined KISS for a major reunion tour, remaining involved through the early 2000s before parting ways again.<\/p>\n For countless fans, Ace Frehley will always be \u201cThe Spaceman\u201d who expanded rock\u2019s cosmic possibilities.<\/p>\n This story was originally reported by Parade<\/a> on Oct 17, 2025, where it first appeared in the News<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFans Honor \u2018The Spaceman\u2019<\/h2>\n
Remembering a Rock Icon<\/h2>\n