Ace Frehley, the iconic founding guitarist of the legendary rock band KISS, has sadly passed away at the age of 74.
Frehley’s death follows a traumatic accident in which he suffered a brain bleed after a concerning fall in his music studio, as reported by various sources.
According to TMZ, Frehley was placed on life support following the fall, which occurred a couple of weeks prior to his death.
In their report, TMZ stated:
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for KISS, has passed away… The beloved musician succumbed after being hospitalized and placed on life support, with family making the heart-wrenching decision to turn off his ventilator.
Details about his decline reveal that he fell in his studio weeks earlier, leading to a serious brain injury that ultimately did not improve, necessitating the use of a ventilator.
Frehley was one of the pioneering members of KISS, joining forces with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. He was the band’s lead guitarist from their formation in 1973 until 1982, departing due to struggles with substance abuse and differences in creative direction.
He later pursued a solo career, forming the band Frehley’s Comet—a nod to his famed “Spaceman” persona. This band was active from 1984 until its split in 1988, after which he rejoined KISS for their much-publicized reunion tour in 1996, staying until 2002.
Frehley’s contributions helped KISS craft several timeless hits, including “Detroit Rock City,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.”
As news of his passing spreads, tributes are flooding social media in remembrance of the rock icon.
R.I.P. — KISS founding guitarist Ace Frehley dead at 74 pic.twitter.com/6VT9TyNPLr
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 16, 2025
KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has passed away at the age of 74. Rest In Peace, legend pic.twitter.com/eDvuuOMZwK
— Rock History (@historyrock_) October 16, 2025
KISS legend ACE FREHLEY has died at age 74 following a fall https://t.co/cJggsNuYyp pic.twitter.com/jwb76C3DEg
— revolvermag (@Revolvermag) October 16, 2025
@ace_frehley Ace, my brother, I can’t thank you enough for the years of incredible music, the countless festivals we shared, and your lead guitar on “Nothing But A Good Time.” All my love and respect, from my family and myself – may you rest in peace!!! #AceFrehley pic.twitter.com/Vb5IIPYPxu
— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) October 16, 2025
