Talking Guitars: Rest in Peace Ace Frehley of #KISS 10/16/25
🎸 Ace Frehley – The Spaceman of Rock ’n’ Roll 🚀
Today on Talking Guitars, we pay tribute to one of rock’s most influential and iconic guitarists — Ace “Space Ace” Frehley of KISS, who has sadly passed away at the age of 74.
Ace died peacefully on October 16, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones after complications from a fall in his home studio in Morristown, New Jersey. The accident led to a severe brain injury and internal bleeding, and after weeks on life support, he was taken off earlier this week. His family shared an emotional statement:
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we surrounded him with loving, peaceful words, thoughts, and prayers. Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever.”
⸻
💔 Tributes from the KISS Family & Rock Legends
The rock world is in mourning.
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley issued a joint statement honoring their fallen bandmate:
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during the most formative chapters of KISS’s history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique, and all who loved him — including our fans around the world.”
Peter Criss shared a deeply personal message:
“With a broken heart and deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well. I love you, my brother. My prayers go out to Jeanette, Monique, Charlie, Nancy, and all of Ace’s extended family, bandmates, fans, and friends.”
Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready added:
“Ace Frehley and his music changed my life. I studied his solos endlessly. I wouldn’t have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence.”
Across social media, the KISS Army has lit up with love, stories, and memories — from concert photos to personal fan encounters — proving that Space Ace’s influence reached galaxies far beyond the stage lights.
⸻
🚀 Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Space Ace
Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, New York, Ace helped form KISS in 1973 alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. As the original “Spaceman,” Ace brought cosmic visuals, smoking guitars, and out-of-this-world solos that became central to KISS’s identity.
His distinctive tone, melodic phrasing, and onstage charisma inspired millions — and his songs like “Shock Me,” “Cold Gin,” “Rocket Ride,” and his hit solo “New York Groove” continue to influence generations of guitarists.
Even after leaving KISS in 1982, Ace’s solo career thrived with critically acclaimed albums and global tours. His later reunions with the band in the ’90s reignited the KISS legacy and reminded fans of why Space Ace was — and always will be — one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time.
⸻
🌠 Tonight on Talking Guitars
Join Johnny Beane and the Talking Guitars community as we celebrate the life, legacy, and music of Ace Frehley.
We’ll share stories, photos, music clips, fan memories, and reflections from fellow musicians who were inspired by his larger-than-life sound and presence.
From his smoking Les Pauls and out-of-this-world solos to the cosmic magic of the KISS era — we honor the man who took rock ’n’ roll to another galaxy.
Rest in peace, Ace Frehley (1951–2025) — your music will echo through the stars forever.
⸻
📸 Featuring:
• Rare photos and live clips from Ace’s legendary KISS years
• Fan tributes from around the world
• Reactions from Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and more
• Guitar moments that defined generations
⸻
🔥
#RIPAceFrehley #SpaceAceLivesOn #KISSArmyForever #TalkingGuitars #JohnnyBeaneTV #KISS #AceFrehley #SpaceAce #RockLegend #ShockMe #ColdGin #NewYorkGroove #RockNRollAllNite #KISSLegend #GuitarHero #ClassicRock #KISSForever #GeneSimmons #PaulStanley #PeterCriss