Ace frehley,founding lead guitarist of teh iconic rock band KISS,has died at the age of 74. The news marks the first death among the band’s original quartet and concludes a protracted battle with illness.
Frehley’s passing reverberates through the music world, impacting generations of musicians and fans captivated by KISS’s theatrical performances and enduring catalog. His distinctive guitar work was integral to the band’s signature sound, helping propel them to tens of millions in album sales and a lasting cultural footprint. The future of potential KISS reunions is now uncertain.
Born in New York City on March 16, 1951, Frehley co-founded KISS in 1973, quickly becoming known for his elaborate stage persona – “The Spaceman” – and innovative guitar playing. The band achieved mainstream success in the mid-1970s, licensing its image for a vast array of merchandise alongside chart-topping hits.
While “Beth” reached No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976, Frehley’s guitar solos on tracks like “Deuce” and “Shock Me” became hallmarks of the KISS sound. He departed the group in 1982,pursuing a solo career with Frehley’s Comet before rejoining KISS in the mid-1990s for a triumphant reunion tour that restored thier original makeup and stage show.
The reunion coincided with a resurgence of interest in KISS,fueled by tributes from bands like Nirvana,Weezer,and the Melvins. Frehley’s contributions were acknowledged by his bandmates and peers as essential to KISS’s enduring legacy. Details regarding memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.