Rock and roll lost one of its most iconic figures when Ace Frehley, the original “Spaceman” guitarist and founding member of KISS, died at 74 following a tragic fall that led to fatal brain bleeding.
Story Highlights
- Ace Frehley becomes the first original KISS member to die, marking the end of an era for the legendary rock band
- His death resulted from complications after a fall in his home studio in September 2025, leading to brain bleeding and life support
- Bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons called him “essential and irreplaceable” in their tribute statements
- Frehley remained musically active until his death, with his final album “10,000 Volts” released in 2024
The Final Performance Ends
Paul Daniel Frehley, better known as Ace Frehley, suffered two falls in his Morristown, New Jersey home studio on September 25, 2025. The accidents forced the cancellation of his upcoming tour dates, but few could have predicted the severity of his injuries. What began as a seemingly routine mishap escalated into a medical emergency that would claim the life of rock’s most famous “Spaceman” just three weeks later.
TMZ reported on October 16 that Frehley had been placed on life support due to brain bleeding complications from his fall. Later that same day, the 74-year-old guitarist succumbed to his injuries, stunning fans worldwide who had followed his career for over five decades.
The Spaceman’s Rise to Rock Immortality
Frehley co-founded KISS in 1973, creating the theatrical “Spaceman” persona that would become synonymous with the band’s spectacular stage shows. His innovative guitar work and stage presence helped transform KISS from a New York club band into a global phenomenon. Guitar World magazine recognized his technical prowess by ranking him the 14th Greatest Metal Guitarist, acknowledging his influence on generations of musicians.
The band’s signature sound emerged from Frehley’s unique approach to guitar, combining technical skill with showmanship that included smoking guitars and explosive stage effects. His contributions extended beyond music into the realm of entertainment spectacle, helping establish the template for modern arena rock performances that countless bands would later emulate.
A Complex Legacy of Departures and Returns
Frehley’s relationship with KISS proved as dramatic as the band’s stage shows. He first left the group in 1982 to pursue solo projects, forming Frehley’s Comet and establishing himself as a capable bandleader. His solo career demonstrated his songwriting abilities beyond the collaborative KISS environment, though commercial success remained elusive compared to his work with the original band.
The 1996 KISS reunion brought all four original members back together, generating massive fan excitement and commercial success. However, creative tensions and personal differences led to Frehley’s second departure in 2002. Despite leaving KISS twice, his contributions to the band’s most celebrated albums and performances remained undisputed, cementing his status as an irreplaceable part of rock history.
The Music Never Stopped
Even after his final exit from KISS, Frehley continued creating music well into his seventies. His 2024 album “10,000 Volts” proved that his creative fire still burned bright, achieving chart success and demonstrating his enduring appeal to both longtime fans and new listeners. The album’s success showed that Frehley’s artistic vision remained relevant in contemporary music.
His death comes at a time when classic rock icons are increasingly confronting mortality, but Frehley’s passing feels particularly significant as the first among KISS’s founding members. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons’ joint statement calling him “essential and irreplaceable” reflects not just professional respect but acknowledgment of his fundamental role in creating one of rock’s most enduring brands.
