Fans are sharing their condolences and memories of iconic rock band Kiss after its first guitarist and founder died on Thursday.
Ace Frehley, who was 74 years old, died after a recent fall at his home. The legendary guitarist died peacefully while surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, according to a statement shared on his official Instagram.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to be able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left earth,” his family said.
“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!”
Frehley leaves his wife Jeanette Trerotola and daughter Monique Frehley.
Kiss was known for their iconic black and white face makeup, eye-catching outfits and dramatic performances, with hits like “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” and “Rock And Roll All Nite.” The band was first formed in 1972, with original members Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss.
In 1999, Frehley was nominated for the Grammy Awards for Best Hard Rock Performance for the track “Psycho Circus.”
The guitarist first left the band in 1982 for a solo career, but re-joined it in 1996. In 2002, Frehley performed with Kiss for the last time, as the band hit the road for their first Farewell Tour.
Frehley has performed with Kiss in Toronto on several occasions, including in 1974 at the Massey Hall, 1976 at the Maple Leaf Gardens, and 1979 at the same venue.
After the announcement, Kiss released a statement on X, saying they are “devastated” with the news, recalling the guitarist’s legacy.
“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’ legacy.”
Upon hearing about Frehley’s death, many fans took to social media to express their condolences and recall their memories of Kiss’s iconic performances.
“Ace was Kiss to me… He was the sound of Kiss… His solos will play over and over in my head forever!!!… RIP to the only Spaceman,” one person said on X.
“I’ll miss him. His first performance in Japan was truly amazing. Kiss was what got me into rock ‘n’ roll. My friend caught the towel he threw that day! I remember him and the other Kiss Armys around us celebrating. Today, I’ll be listening to a lot of Rock and Roll All Nite!” a different person added.
“Ace [Frehley] was a huge part [of] my childhood. When I picked up a guitar, he was the guy I learnt from. Life for millions of us would be unrecognisable if he never existed. He was rock n roll personified. He was the greatest,” another user said.
“Rest in Space, Ace. You are an inspiration. Your solos are an adrenaline rush. See you later, space cowboy. I’m going to dawn your makeup [for] Halloween,” a person said.
