Ace Frehley, Rock Legend and KISS Member, Dies

Ace Frehley of KISS Dies

Suffered Fatal Cerebral Hemorrhage

The Rock World in Mourning

Mourning in the world of rock: Ace Frehley, the original guitarist of KISS, has died.

The musician had been hospitalized and placed on life support following a cerebral hemorrhage.

His passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes and retrospectives on his career and influence.

Frehley died on Thursday after several weeks in critical condition, according to reports from Milenio.

Ace Frehley Dies Following Medical Complications

Ace Frehley, the wild Spaceman of Kiss who played guitar in the band throughout their Seventies heyday and again during the reunion period in the Nineties and inspired an entire generation of musicians, has died at age 74.

More on his life and legacy: https://t.co/8EKMz8SVtM pic.twitter.com/r12zYUTMOY

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) October 16, 2025

According to TMZ, the musician suffered a fall in his studio a few weeks ago.

The accident caused a severe medical condition that ultimately led to his death.

He was connected to a ventilator for several days without showing signs of improvement.

His family eventually made the difficult decision to end life support.

Death of Ace Frehley Amid Medical Rumors

Ace Frehley, Rock Legend and KISS Member, Dies – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Sources close to the family confirmed that his prognosis had been poor from the start.

Despite early optimism from fans, his condition never improved.

The first statement posted on his Instagram account on September 25 claimed he was fine.

But it noted that he had been advised by doctors to avoid traveling.

Tour Cancellation and Further Decline

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Days later, a new message announced the cancellation of his 2025 tour:

“Due to ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the rest of his tour dates,” the statement read.

The announcement immediately alarmed fans worldwide.

News of his death soon followed, causing a wave of grief and remembrance across social media.

A Key Figure in Rock History

Paul Daniel Frehley, known worldwide as Ace Frehley, was born on April 27, 1951.

He was one of the founding members of KISS in 1973.

He shared the stage with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss, helping shape the sound and image that made the band one of the most recognizable in rock history.

His stage persona, “The Spaceman,” became a cultural icon, embodying the theatrical and rebellious spirit of 1970s rock.

Ace Frehley’s Legacy Within KISS

Frehley was part of KISS during its most celebrated era, active between 1973 and 1982, and responsible for many of the band’s most memorable guitar solos.

Creative differences and personal struggles eventually led him to leave the band.

Though he reunited with KISS for select performances in the 1990s.

His public battle with substance abuse was well-documented, but he remained a beloved figure among fans and fellow musicians for his honesty and raw talent.

Philosophy and Passion for Music

In a November 2024 interview, Frehley reflected on his long career and dedication to performing:

“I’ve been playing guitar for 60 years,” he said.

“I love performing and making people happy.”

“For an hour and a half, I give my fans my all — no backing tracks.”

The death of Ace Frehley marks the end of a defining chapter in rock history, but his sound, image, and influence will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.