Ace Frehley: The Spaceman's Final Voyage (1951–2025)

On October 16, 2025, the stars dimmed for rock ‘n’ roll fans around the world. Paul “Ace” Frehley — the electrifying guitarist, founding member of KISS, and eternal “Spaceman” — passed away at the age of 74, leaving behind a cosmic legacy that reshaped the sound and spectacle of modern rock.

Frehley died peacefully in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by loved ones. His passing followed complications from a fall in his home studio weeks earlier. Though his health had begun to decline, few imagined the final curtain would fall so soon. For decades, Ace seemed almost immortal — a larger-than-life figure with a Les Paul slung over his shoulder and stardust in his veins.

As the first of the original KISS lineup to depart this world, his loss resonates deeply not only with fans but also with bandmates who spent decades sharing stages, studios, and stardom with him.

Born on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, New York, Ace Frehley was a self-taught guitarist with a rebellious streak and a sound all his own. In 1973, he joined forces with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss to form KISS — a band that would go on to become one of the most iconic and theatrical acts in music history.

With his silver makeup and alien persona, Frehley became “The Spaceman,” blasting into rock legend with searing solos and infectious riffs. Songs like ‘Shock Me’, ‘Cold Gin’, and ‘Rocket Ride’ didn’t just showcase his talent — they stamped his signature on the band’s DNA.

His 1978 solo album, released simultaneously with those of the other KISS members, was the breakout success of the four — spawning the hit single ‘New York Groove’ and going platinum. It was proof that Ace wasn’t just part of the KISS machine — he was a powerhouse in his own right.

After parting ways with KISS in the early '80s, Ace launched a solo career that further cemented his status as a rock innovator. Through his band ‘Frehley’s Comet’ and later solo work, he continued to explore his sound, blending hard rock grit with interstellar imagination.

Though he rejoined KISS for their 1996 reunion and remained with them into the 2000s, Ace was always a bit of an outsider — the cosmic rebel who never fully bowed to expectations.

In recent years, he enjoyed a creative resurgence. His 2024 album ‘10,000 Volts’ proved that the fire still burned, and he had been working on ‘Origins Vol. 3’, continuing his tradition of paying tribute to the music that shaped him.

While KISS was known for its pyrotechnics and platform boots, Frehley’s legacy goes far deeper than stage gimmicks. He inspired generations of guitarists with his tone, phrasing, and fearlessly melodic solos. His approach combined raw power with unpretentious flair — a blend that resonated with everyone from bedroom shredders to seasoned pros.

Ace was also among the first to treat rock guitar as a visual spectacle. Who could forget his smoking guitar solos or lightning bolt designs? He made playing look like space travel — wild, risky, and undeniably cool.

Ace Frehley wasn’t perfect — and he never claimed to be. He struggled, stumbled, and stood back up. But through it all, he remained true to himself, true to the music, and true to the fans who loved him.

In the wake of his passing, tributes have poured in from across the music world. Paul Stanley called him “irreplaceable.” Gene Simmons said Ace’s energy “helped shape KISS from the ground up.” Fans from every corner of the globe have mourned the loss and celebrated the legend.

The Spaceman has left Earth, but his sound echoes in every thunderous chord, every teenage garage band dreaming of glory, and every fan who ever threw up the horns under the glow of stage lights.