KISS legend Ace Frehley has died at the age of 74 after being removed from life support
Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley, co-founder and lead guitarist of the legendary rock band KISS, has died. RadarOnline.com can confirm, after he fell last month.
He was 74.
Frehley was known as “Space Ace” in the makeup-heavy rock group. The singer had been hospitalized a few weeks ago after suffering a brain haemorrhage when he fell and hit his head in his studio.
He had been on life support and his team recently announced he had to end his 2025 tour due to “ongoing medical issues.”
On Thursday, the family made the painful decision to turn off his ventilator. They announced his death in a statement.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his final moments, we were fortunate to be able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.
“We cherish all his fondest memories, his smile, and celebrate his strengths and kindness he gave to others.
“The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions and incomprehensible. As we reflect on all of his incredible achievements in life, Ace’s memory will live on forever!”
Frehley joined KISS and fellow singers Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons in 1972.
He stayed with the band during their most popular times.
In 1982, Frehley left the group to pursue a solo career, but rejoined when the original band reunited for a reunion tour in 1996. He continued to tour with his bandmates until 2002.
Frehley continued to tour solo and had several shows planned for October and November in support of his latest album, 10,000 volts. The record marked his first release of original material since then Spaceman back in 2018.
Frehley’s death comes just over a week after Simmons was rushed to a Malibu hospital after he reportedly passed out at the wheel of his car and crashed on the Pacific Coast Highway.
According to the Los Angeles NBC affiliate, the crash was reported early afternoon on Pacific Coast Highway.
The 76-year-old’s Lincoln Navigator reportedly crashed into a parked car, and witnesses called 911. Simmons told first responders that he blacked out or blacked out and then hit the parked car.
He was admitted to hospital for a check-up and later released. The Rock ‘n’ roll all night long The singer told NBC4 in a voicemail that he was “doing well.”
Frehley and Simmons were expected to reunite with their fellow KISS bandmates for the iconic group’s first performance since retiring from touring in 2023.
KISS was scheduled to take the stage in Las Vegas from November 14 to 16, celebrating their 50th anniversary as a band.
The KISS Army Storms Vegas event was advertised as featuring an “unmasked” Simmons, Stanley and Tommy Thayer, as well as other special guests.
A press release for the special occasion teased “exclusive Q&A sessions with members of the band, a panel with longtime manager Doc McGhee, a special live performance from former KISS member Bruce Kulick, along with sets from KISS tribute bands, other special guests, interactive activities, exclusive experiences and more.”
KISS karaoke, KISS trivia, artist meet and greets and a KISS look-alike competition were also all on the agenda.
It is not yet known what impact his death will have on these plans.
