Ace Frehley, the ‘Spaceman’ of KISS, Dies at 74 After Fall at His New Jersey Home
The world of rock and roll is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures. Ace Frehley, the legendary founding guitarist of KISS, has died at 74. His family confirmed the news in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Thursday, October 16, saying that the rocker passed away earlier that day in Morristown, New Jersey, following complications from a fall at his home.
“Ace passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones,” the statement read. “He lived for music, for his fans, and for the joy of performing. His family asks for privacy as they grieve this unimaginable loss.”
Frehley’s death marks the end of a monumental era in rock history. Known to millions as “The Spaceman,” he helped define KISS’s sound and image from the band’s earliest days in the 1970s. His lightning-bolt guitar solos, futuristic stage persona, and unmistakable white-and-silver face paint made him one of the most recognizable figures in rock.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, New York, Ace was drawn to music from a young age. He grew up listening to classic blues and early rock guitarists before carving out his own distinct style. In 1973, after answering a newspaper ad placed by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Frehley joined the group that would soon become KISS — and the rest was history.
The band exploded into fame with their larger-than-life performances, explosive pyrotechnics, and raw, theatrical sound. Ace’s guitar work became the heartbeat of songs like “Shock Me,” “Cold Gin,” and “Detroit Rock City.” His solos weren’t just notes — they were statements, the sound of rebellion wrapped in electric fire. Fans adored his wild energy, his humor, and his authenticity.
Frehley’s 1978 solo album, released simultaneously with albums from each KISS member, became a defining moment of his career. His hit single “New York Groove” reached the Top 20 on the Billboard charts and remains one of the most celebrated songs of his life. It captured everything that made Ace special — swagger, soul, and a love for the city that raised him.
Though Frehley left KISS in 1982 amid creative and personal struggles, his legacy with the band never faded. He returned for reunion tours in the late 1990s and played to sold-out crowds around the world once more, this time with years of wisdom behind his riffs. His sense of humor and easy charm remained, even as fame, addiction, and age took their toll.
In later years, Frehley spoke openly about his sobriety and gratitude for the second chance life had given him. “I’ve been through the dark side,” he said in a 2019 interview. “Now I just try to make every day count.”
His family said that in the weeks before his passing, he had been excited about new music. He’d recently been writing songs and reconnecting with old bandmates. Even at 74, he was still chasing the same passion that fueled his youth.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Paul Stanley called him “a brother in rock whose sound shaped generations.” Gene Simmons wrote, “The Spaceman has gone home to the stars — his riffs will live forever.” Fans worldwide are leaving flowers, records, and painted silver stars outside KISS landmarks in New York City and Los Angeles.
Ace Frehley leaves behind his wife, Jeanette, and daughter, Monique, along with millions of fans who will forever remember his swagger, his smile, and his electric spirit.
His story — like his solos — was loud, fearless, and impossible to forget. And though the stage lights have dimmed, somewhere out there, the Spaceman still shines.
