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Ace Frehley, Iconic Kiss Guitarist, Dies at 78
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for the rock band Kiss and renowned for his innovative playing style and stage presence, has died at the age of 78. the news comes weeks after Frehley canceled a series of concerts citing health issues. His passing marks the end of an era for a musician who helped define the sound and spectacle of 1970s rock.
Frehley, born Paul Frank Frehley in New York City, co-founded Kiss in 1973 alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. The band quickly rose to fame with its elaborate costumes, theatrical performances, and hard-rock anthems. Frehley’s signature “Space Ace” persona and distinctive guitar solos became integral to Kiss’s enduring appeal.
In 1978, all four original Kiss members released solo albums, with Frehley’s proving to be the most commercially accomplished. He continued to contribute to Kiss albums, writing songs for Dynasty (1979) and Unmasked (1980), even as his role within the band diminished. He was replaced by Vinnie Vincent during the Creatures of the Night tour in 1982.
Following his departure from Kiss,Frehley formed his own band,Frehley’s Comet,releasing their self-titled debut in 1987 and Second Sighting in 1988. A successful reunion with the original Kiss lineup occurred in 1996, culminating in the album Psycho Circus in 1998. Frehley’s final performance with the band was at the closing ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Throughout his career, Frehley remained a prolific solo artist, releasing numerous albums, including 10,000 Volts in 2024. A third volume of his covers album series, origins, was slated for release in 2025. He also published his autobiography, No Regrets, in 2011.
Ace Frehley is survived by his ex-wife, Jeanette Trerotola, whom he married in 1976, and their daughter, Monique Frehley.
