- On October 16, Ace Frehley died at the age of 74.
- His passing follows several health problems, including a fall and brain bleed.
- Frehley was the lead guitarist and a founding member of the rock band KISS, and performed on stage under the persona of The Spaceman.
On Thursday, October 16, Ace Frehley died. He was 74 years old when he passed. Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of KISS, was put on life support after suffering a brain bleed following a fall in his studio. The 74-year-old musician was placed on a ventilator, and reports indicated his condition had shown no signs of improvement. Prior to his death, his family had reportedly been considering whether to discontinue life-support measures. Hours later, his family announced his passing.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” shared the family via a statement to USA Today. “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. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
Ace Frehley is on life support following health complications and a brain bleed
The incident follows a period of health struggles: in late September, he canceled a scheduled appearance at a fair after what was described as a “minor fall” in his studio. That announcement was later expanded when he canceled the remainder of his 2025 tour dates, citing “ongoing medical issues,” as reported by Page Six. Throughout his career, Frehley was known for his work in KISS during the 1970s and beyond, and for solo projects including his band Frehley’s Comet and charting songs like “New York Groove.”
He originally canceled his appearance at the Antelope Valley Fair after sustaining what was called a “minor fall” in his studio, and doctors reportedly advised him to avoid travel. Soon after, all remaining dates on his 2025 tour were canceled, with the guitarist citing ongoing medical issues as the reason.
Career with KISS
Ace Frehley co-founded KISS in 1973 and served as its lead guitarist during the late 1970s, contributing heavily to the band’s signature sound and stage persona as “The Spaceman.” He played on landmark albums like Destroyer and Rock and Roll Over, and his guitar work features on classics such as “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.”
After departing KISS in 1982, he launched his solo career and formed the band Frehley’s Comet, producing hits like “New York Groove.” In 1996, he rejoined KISS for a reunion tour before exiting again in 2002, after which he focused on solo albums, continuing to record and tour until his medical crisis in 2025.
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