Gene Simmons ‘Devastated’ By Death of Kiss Bandmate Ace Frehley
Kiss frontman Gene Simmons is reacting to the death of his bandmate Ace Frehley, who died Thursday at age 74.
Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley call Ace Frehley ‘irreplaceable’
Stanley and fellow Kiss member Paul Stanley shared a joint statement paying tribute to the band’s late lead guitarist.
“I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” Simmons told The Hollywood Reporter. “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. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Frehley’s family said that he died at his home in Morristown, New Jersey, following injuries sustained in a fall. In early October, he canceled all of his remaining 2025 tour dates due to “ongoing medical issues,” he shared on social media.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” Frehley’s family told NPR 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. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.”
Frehley was a founding member of Kiss, along with bassist Simmons, rhythm guitarist Stanley, and drummer Peter Criss. The quartet became one of the biggest bands of the 1970s thanks to their catchy songs, over-the-top stage shows, and elaborate costumes and makeup. Each member had their own comic book persona, with Frehley’s character known as The Spaceman.
Mike McCready, Bret Michaels pay tribute to Kiss guitarist
After his death, tributes to Frehley poured in from various musicians and celebrities.
Mike McCready from Pearl Jam credited Frehley for kickstarting his musical career.
“All my friends have spent untold hours talking about KISS and buying KISS stuff,” he wrote on Instagram. “Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly over the years… I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence.”
“Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time,” Poison’s Bret Michaels wrote on Instagram. “All my love and respect, from my family and myself – may you rest in peace!!!”
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