Paul Daniel «Ace» Frehley, the founding guitarist of Kiss and one of rock music’s most influential performers, has died aged 74 following injuries sustained in a fall last month, his family confirmed in a statement.
«We are completely devastated and heartbroken,» his family wrote. «In his final moments, we surrounded him with love, peace, prayers and kind thoughts as he left this world. We will forever cherish his laughter, his generosity and all the wonderful memories he gave us. The magnitude of his passing is beyond comprehension. Ace’s legacy and all that he achieved in his remarkable life will live on forever.»
Kiss bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons paid tribute to Frehley, describing his death as a devastating loss.
«He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative chapters of the band’s history,» they said. «He is and always will be part of Kiss’ legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and everyone who loved him, including fans around the world.»
Start of Kiss
Frehley co-founded Kiss alongside Stanley, Simmons and drummer Peter Criss in late 1972. As the band’s lead guitarist, he played a key role in shaping Kiss’ explosive sound and theatrical style, remaining with them through their most iconic years before departing in 1982 to pursue a solo career.
He returned in 1996 when the original line-up reunited for a record-breaking global tour and continued until 2002. During his time away from Kiss, Frehley performed both as a solo artist and with his band Frehley’s Comet, earning critical acclaim for his work.
In 1978, when all four Kiss members released solo albums simultaneously, Frehley’s record, featuring his hit cover of «New York Groove», stood out among fans and critics alike as the strongest of the set.
Known for his fiery solos, charismatic stage presence and pioneering use of special effects in live performances, Ace Frehley leaves behind a legacy that helped define rock and roll for generations.
Kursiv also reports that Claudia Cardinale, one of the most celebrated stars of European cinema in the 1960s and 1970s, has died at the age of 87 on September 23.
