Ace Frehley, Kiss’ original lead guitarist, passes away

• Ace Frehley, the founding guitarist of KISS, has died at 74, surrounded by his loved ones
• His family expressed their deep grief, saying they were devastated and heartbroken by his passing
• They shared that they were able to surround him with love, care, and peaceful thoughts in his final moments
• Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette and daughter Monique, and his legacy as the band’s iconic "Spaceman" will continue to be remembered

Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley, the founding guitarist of the legendary American rock band KISS, has died, according to a statement released by his family. He was 74.

According to CNN, he passed away surrounded by loved ones, who said they were “completely devastated and heartbroken.”

“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,” the family said.

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"We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. 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!" the family added.

Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette and daughter Monique.

Frehley gained fame for his "Spaceman" persona, a role he embodied alongside the original KISS lineup: Paul Stanley on vocals and rhythm guitar, Gene Simmons on vocals and bass, and Peter Criss on drums and vocals. The band became instantly recognizable for their black-and-white face paint, creating the iconic characters Demon, Starchild, Spaceman, and Catman.

In a report by BBC, Stanley and Simmons also paid tribute in a joint statement: “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS's legacy.”

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KISS, formed in 1973, produced hits like Rock and Roll All Nite and God of Thunder. Known for their dramatic stage presence, including platform shoes, glitter, leather outfits, and smoke-emitting guitars, the band sold over 100 million records by 2024.

In 1983, KISS performed without face paint for the first time, a move called the "unmasking," which boosted their popularity. The band later returned to their painted personas in the late 1990s.

Frehley left KISS in 1982 but returned for their 1996 reunion tour, staying until 2002. The original members were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Ace Frehley is not the only foreign figure to have passed away recently, as reports of other international personalities’ deaths have also surfaced.

American R&B and soul icon D’Angelo has passed away at 51 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. His family announced his death on October 14, 2025, expressing both deep sadness and gratitude for the legacy he left through his music. They said his memory will live on through the songs that touched listeners around the world. The family requested privacy as they mourn the acclaimed musician.

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Lina Bina, an adult film star widely recognized online as Miss John Dough, has died at the age of 24. The content creator passed away on Tuesday, August 5, according to media reports. The cause of death has yet to be determined and remains under investigation. The late content creator’s loved ones also took to social media to confirm her death. Many remembered her for her lively spirit and the influence she had on her audience.

Source: KAMI.com.gh