Remembering Ace Frehley: A Tribute to the Legendary Guitarist and KISS Co-Founder
Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and founding member of KISS, passed away at the age of 74. In a 2025 interview with The Aquarian, Frehley expressed his gratitude for being able to return to the stage after a serious arm injury that had threatened his career. Despite the challenges he faced, he was thrilled to be back performing and connecting with audiences.
During the interview, Frehley reflected on his place in rock history with a mix of humility and pride. He believed that his music would endure for generations to come and spoke about the respect he had earned from his peers. He also shared his optimism about his longevity, citing his family's history of living long lives and a psychic's prediction that he would live to be a hundred.
Known for his iconic "Spaceman" persona in KISS, Frehley co-founded the band in 1973 and later embarked on a successful solo career. He released several albums, including the platinum-selling self-titled debut in 1978 and the Top 10-charting "Space Invader" in 2014. Frehley was a devoted father to his daughter, Monique, and credited her with inspiring him to get sober in 2006.
Frehley's family confirmed his passing in a statement, revealing that he had died in Morristown, N.J., following a fall at his home. The rocker had been on life support due to a brain bleed caused by the fall. His family expressed their devastation at the loss and emphasized the impact of his passing on those who knew and loved him. Despite his death, Ace Frehley's memory and music will continue to live on, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of rock and roll.