Ace Frehley, lead guitarist and founding member of KISS, has died. He was 74.
His death was confirmed in a statement from his family.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” the statement said.
“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.”
His family added: ”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!”
A cause of death hasn’t been confirmed.
The rock world is mourning the loss of legendary KISS rocker.
Tool rocker Maynard James Keenan shared a tribute to the late musician on Instagram, writing: “Godspeed, Ace.”
News of the legendary rocker’s death comes after reports that he was on life support broke earlier today.
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TMZ reported just hours prior that the guitarist was receiving critical medical attention in hospital.
Multiple sources told the publication that the musician suffered a brain bleed after a recent fall and had been on a ventilator.
Remembering the stars we’ve lost in 2025
The news comes weeks after Frehley cancelled his remaining 2025 tour dates due to medical issues after the fall.
“Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates,” a statement shared to Frehley’s official Instagram account on 7 October read.
Earlier, an Instagram statment posted on 25 September shortly after his fall said: “He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time.”
Inititally just Frehley’s 26 September show was cancelled, but the remainder of his 2025 tour dates were cancelled shortly after.
Frehley linked up with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanely and Peter Criss to form the rock band and stayed with the band from 1973 to 1982 befroe leaving and pursuing a solo career.
During his time with KISS, he contributed to fan favourites including Cold Gin, Shock Me and Parasite.
After leaving KISS, he formed the band Frehley’s Comet which toured and released music through the ’80s.
He rejoined KISS briefly for their highly-successful reunion tour in 1996. He remained with the band for a second time until 2002 when he left for good.
Frehley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of KISS.
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