Ace Frehley, the influential guitarist and original “Spaceman” of Kiss, died on Thursday (October 16) at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey, following complications from a recent fall. Frehley, a Bronx native, played with the band from their 1973 inception through 1982, and rejoined during their celebrated 1990s reunion. He contributed a series of iconic songs like “Cold Gin” and “Shock Me,” and ultimately inspired generations of musicians. “We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” Frehley’s family said in a statement. “In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!” In the Eighties, he formed his own band, Frehley’s Comet, and released two albums, while over the past twenty years, Frehley toured as a solo artist and played sets filled with Kiss classics. His most recent show took place last month at Providence, Rhode Island’s Uptown Theater.
Kiss bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley shared a joint statement honoring Frehley, writing: “He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with [Frehley’s wife] Jeanette, [his daughter] Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.” Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready paid tribute to Frehley, writing, “You changed my life. I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence.” Simmons, Stanley, Frehley and Kiss drummer Peter Criss were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. (Rolling Stone)
