Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of the band KISS, has died at the age of 74 after a fall at his home in New Jersey. The news was confirmed by his family, who said the artist passed away surrounded by the people who loved him.
Frehley, known as the "Spaceman," was one of the most distinctive figures in American rock. He founded KISS in 1973, before leaving in 1982 to focus on his solo career. With hits like "New York Groove" and the album Ace Frehley, he achieved great success as an independent artist, and was even the only member of the band to reach the Billboard Top 10 with a solo album.
The musician had been in critical condition for weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage caused by a fall. He had announced to fans in late September that he would be canceling several concerts due to his health condition, calling the problems "minor," but then canceled his entire 2025 tour.
Frehley briefly rejoined KISS in 1996 for a reunion tour and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, where he was recognized as one of the most influential guitarists in music history. In recent interviews, he has expressed pride in his legacy:
"Most guitarists tell me they first picked up the guitar because of me, and that's the greatest honor I could have."
Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette, his daughter Monique and other family members who describe him as a man with a soft heart, endless humor and a free spirit, just like his music.
