Rock music has lost one of its most unmistakable figures. Ace Frehley, founding guitarist of Kiss and creator of the mythical Spaceman character, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025 in Morristown, New Jersey, at the age of 74.
The news was confirmed by his family in a statement full of love and gratitude:
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his final moments, we were fortunate to be able to surround him with words, thoughts and prayers filled with love and peace. We celebrate his laughter, his strength and the kindness he shared with others. The magnitude of his departure is immeasurable, but his memory will live on forever.”
A life to the rhythm of the amplifier
Born on April 27, 1951 in the Bronx, Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley was the sonic engine of Kiss since he joined Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss in 1972. With his unmistakable astronaut makeup and his three-pickup Gibson Les Paul, he became a symbol of the golden years of hard rock.
Their pyrotechnic solos, laid-back attitude and melodic sense gave Kiss the edge that transformed the band into a global phenomenon. Their work on albums such as Alive! (1975), Destroyer (1976) and Love Gun (1977) left an indelible mark on rock history.
After leaving Kiss in 1982, Ace went solo, releasing nine studio albums, including the celebrated Ace Frehley (1978), which reached platinum status, and 10,000 Volts, released in February 2024.
Falls, retirement and legacy
According to reports from his entourage, Frehley had suffered a fall in late September that forced him to cancel several performances, and a second recent accident reportedly led to medical complications that caused his death.
On October 6, his team had posted a message on networks announcing the cancellation of all 2025 shows due to health reasons.
Despite his stage retirement, Ace had maintained a close relationship with his fan base, and his most recent album was received as an inspired comeback, full of classic riffs and nods to his time with Kiss.
The man behind the makeup
Although he will always be remembered as the Spaceman, Frehley was much more than a character. His influence as a guitarist shaped entire generations of hard rock and heavy metal musicians. Artists such as Slash, Dave Grohl or Tom Morello mentioned him on numerous occasions as a key reference.
In addition to his musical impact, Ace was an endearing and contradictory figure: genius, self-taught, rebellious, funny and human. His laughter and irony kept him close to the public even in the most difficult years.
A star that does not go out
Ace Frehley was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 along with his Kiss bandmates. There he thanked the fans “for making it possible for a kid from the Bronx to dream of the stars.”
Today, those same stars seem to have claimed him.
Their legacy will continue to resonate in every distorted riff, on every illuminated stage, and in the memory of those who understood that rock is not only played: it is lived, shouted, dreamed.
Bon voyage, Spaceman.
