Ace Frehley,⁤ Kiss Lead Guitarist, Dies at ⁢74

Ace Frehley, the iconic lead guitarist ⁤for the rock ‌band kiss, has died at the ‌age ⁤of 74. the news was confirmed today,September 16,2024,following a reported battle with complications⁣ from full-body cancer.

Born Paul Frank frehley in New York City on⁢ March 16,‌ 1951, he⁣ joined Kiss‌ in 1973, adopting the stage name “Space ace” and becoming known for his distinctive guitar⁢ playing‌ and flamboyant stage⁣ persona – complete with signature⁤ makeup and elaborate​ costumes.⁣

Frehley’s elaborate ⁢production ​(and strategic use of session‌ musicians) ⁤powered such classics as “Detroit Rock City” and ​”Shout​ It Out⁤ Loud,” and the band followed Cooper’s example by including a sensitive ballad,”Beth,” co-writen and sung by Peter Criss,which quickly became the band’s biggest-ever hit single. “Destroyer” and the band’s increasingly elaborate concert productions, along with well-marketed​ merchandise, propelled them to international stardom.

Further ⁢studio albums,⁣ “Rock and roll Over” and‍ “Love Gun,” followed in quick succession. “Love Gun” featured Frehley’s ‌first ​lead vocal on “Shock‌ Me,” inspired by a⁤ near-electrocution during⁢ a concert in Florida. The 1977 live album, “alive​ II,” included studio recordings, including Frehley’s second‌ lead vocal, “Rocket ride.”

In ‍September 1978, Kiss released four simultaneous⁢ solo albums. Despite Paul⁤ Stanley’s role as lead singer and Gene Simmons assembling an all-star cast for his album, Frehley’s ⁣was ⁣widely considered the​ best by​ fans.⁢ He played multiple instruments on the album,accompanied by session musicians Anton Fig‌ and ⁣Will Lee (later​ of David letterman’s house band),and worked with producer ⁣Eddie Kramer,known for ⁤his work with ‍Jimi Hendrix and Led ‍Zeppelin. The album featured the hit ​single “New York Groove,” a cover of Rod Argent’s composition, alongside songs written or ​co-written by Frehley.

Kiss returned in 1979 ​with “Dynasty” and the disco-influenced single “I Was Made for Loving‍ You,” which drew criticism ‌from fans. Challenges with musical direction and substance abuse led to the departures of Peter Criss ​in 1980 and‌ Frehley in 1982, though⁢ Paul Stanley and Gene​ Simmons continued​ the band with other ​musicians.

Frehley struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, culminating in an arrest in May 1983 following a⁤ high-speed ⁢chase on the Bronx River Parkway in​ his 1981 delorean.He was charged with DUI, reckless ⁣driving, and ⁤leaving the scene of an accident after hitting four cars‍ (fortunately,⁤ no one was injured). He spent two weeks in a hospital detox unit and⁢ attended Alcoholics ⁢Anonymous meetings.

Frehley continued‌ a solo career following‍ his departure from ⁤Kiss, releasing numerous albums and⁣ touring extensively. He rejoined Kiss for reunion tours in ⁢1996 and again from 2000 to 2002. ​

Details⁣ regarding memorial services‌ will be announced at a⁣ later⁤ date.