Update:
A statement from Frehley’s family reads:
“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. 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!”
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Following reports that legendary original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley was on life support after injuries from a fall a couple of weeks ago, it has sadly been confirmed by TMZ that Ace has passed away.
According to the report, “The legendary musician died Thursday after being hospitalized, and placed on life support … with the family coming to the difficult decision to turn off his ventilator.”
It appears that Ace suffered a brain bleed after his fall in his studio a couple of weeks ago. Initially, his camp canceled his performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California, and later announced that all of Ace’s 2025 tour dates would be canceled.
Along with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss, New York City–born Ace Frehley co-founded Kiss in 1973, recording and performing with the band until his departure in 1982, before rejoining in 1996 and continuing to perform with them until 2002.
During his years away from Kiss, Ace focused on his band Frehley’s Comet, releasing a self-titled album and a second record, Second Sighting, in the late ’80s, while also maintaining a prolific solo career with highly regarded albums such as Ace Frehley (1978), Trouble Walkin’ (1989), Anomaly (2009), Spaceman (2018), and more.
We’ll miss you, Ace. RIP.
Artist photo by Jayme Thornton
