Members of Kiss shared tributes to the band’s authentic lead guitarist Ace Frehley, who died on Thursday on the age of 74.
“Our hearts are damaged. Ace has handed on,” Kiss singer and bassist Gene Simmons wrote on X (previously Twitter). “Nobody can contact Ace’s legacy. I do know he cherished the followers. He instructed me many occasions. Sadder nonetheless, Ace didn’t reside lengthy sufficient to be honored on the Kennedy Ctr Honors occasion in Dec. Ace was the everlasting rock soldier. Lengthy could his legacy reside on!”
Authentic Kiss drummer Peter Criss wrote a tribute to Frehley on his web site and on Fb. “With a damaged coronary heart and deep, deep unhappiness, my brother Ace Frehley has handed away,” he mentioned. “He died peacefully together with his household round him. My spouse and I had been with him to the tip as properly. I really like you my brother. My love and prayers exit to Jeanette, Monique, Charlie and Nancy and all of Ace’s prolonged household, bandmates, followers and associates. Could the Lord consolation you at this tough time.
“As a founding member of the rock group Kiss and in Ace’s solo profession, Ace influenced and contact the hearts of thousands and thousands of individuals. His legacy will reside on within the music business and within the hearts of the KISS Military. Right now I ask all of you to please be respectful to Ace’s household and permit them to grieve privately. To the Kiss Military and Ace’s Rock Troopers, my coronary heart is with you all… Damaged…”
READ MORE: Prime 10 Ace Frehley Kiss Songs
Bruce Kulick, who served as Kiss’ lead guitarist from 1984 to 1996, additionally paid heartfelt tribute to Frehley. “The information of Ace’s passing is devastating to the world of rock,” he wrote on Fb. “It has deeply [affected] me as properly. He was certainly one of a sort and actually an iconic guitar participant. His simple function within the creation and success of Kiss can’t be forgotten. Not solely was he cherished by all, he influenced thousands and thousands of guitarists all over the world. RIP.”
Ace Frehley’s Latest Well being Setbacks and Kiss’ Upcoming Kennedy Middle Honors
Frehley confronted quite a few well being setbacks within the weeks main as much as his demise. The guitarist was hospitalized after falling in his studio and canceled his remaining 2025 tour dates in early October as a consequence of “ongoing medical points.” He was briefly positioned on life help following the autumn.
“We’re utterly devastated and heartbroken,” Frehley’s household mentioned in a press release following his demise. “In his final moments, we had been lucky sufficient to have been in a position to encompass him with loving, caring, peaceable phrases, ideas, prayers and intentions as he left this earth. We cherish all of his best recollections, his laughter, and have fun his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and past comprehension. Reflecting on all of his unbelievable life achievements, Ace’s reminiscence will proceed to reside on perpetually!”
All 4 authentic Kiss members had been not too long ago introduced as Kennedy Middle Honorees. President Donald Trump will current the surviving members with the award in a December ceremony that might be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ at a later date. Different honorees embody George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford and Gloria Gaynor.
Frehley referred to as the respect “a dream come true that I by no means thought would materialize.”
Ace Frehley Albums Ranked Worst to Greatest
The previous Kiss star’s profession has adopted a novel flight plan.
Gallery Credit score: Matthew Wilkening
