Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley Pay Emotional Tribute to Late KISS Co-Founder Ace Frehley: “The Magnitude of His Passing Is Beyond Comprehension”
The rock world is in mourning. Ace Frehley, the electrifying guitarist who helped define the sound and look of KISS, has died at the age of 74. His death marks the end of an era — a loss that’s deeply felt not just by fans, but by his former bandmates who built a rock empire alongside him.
In a joint statement, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley paid heartfelt tribute to Frehley, remembering him as “an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history.” Their words carried both the weight of grief and the warmth of shared memories — a reminder that no matter what happened between them over the decades, the bond of music runs deeper than time or conflict.
“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others,” Simmons and Stanley wrote. “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension.”
The message continued with condolences to Frehley’s family — including his daughter, Monique, his estranged wife, Rachael, and the countless fans who had followed his career from the smoky clubs of New York to the world’s biggest stages. “Ace was a brother in arms,” the statement read, “and a force who helped change the face of rock forever.”
Frehley’s role in KISS was nothing short of legendary. As the original lead guitarist and one of the band’s founding members, he helped create the sound that made KISS a global phenomenon. From his explosive solos to his signature “Spaceman” persona, Frehley embodied everything that made the band’s theatrical energy unforgettable. His innovative guitar work on hits like “Shock Me,” “Cold Gin,” and “Detroit Rock City” became hallmarks of the band’s early success.
Born in The Bronx in 1951, Ace Frehley joined Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss in 1973 to form what would become one of rock’s most iconic groups. Together, they painted their faces, built their brand around mystery and showmanship, and took over the 1970s music scene with pyrotechnics, platform boots, and a sound that was as rebellious as it was catchy.
Though Frehley left KISS in 1982, his legacy remained embedded in its DNA. He later rejoined the band for their 1996 reunion tour, one of the most successful tours in rock history, proving that even after years apart, his connection to the music and the fans was unbreakable. Over the years, Ace pursued a solo career, releasing multiple albums that showcased his unmistakable style and voice — still raw, still powerful, still very much Ace.
For decades, despite publicized tensions and creative differences, there was always mutual respect between Frehley and his bandmates. Paul Stanley once called him “one of the most naturally gifted guitarists to ever play rock and roll,” while Gene Simmons frequently credited Ace’s distinct tone and stage charisma as vital to KISS’s rise.
Fans around the world have been flooding social media with tributes, sharing photos, videos, and personal stories of the man behind the makeup. Many remember him as a pioneer who never tried to be perfect — just real, loud, and unforgettable.
Ace Frehley’s passing leaves behind not just the music, but a myth — one built from fire, guitars, and the dream of turning rebellion into art. As Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley said best, “The magnitude of his passing is beyond comprehension.”
He may have left the stage for good, but his riffs, his swagger, and his space-age spirit will echo forever.
