A rock legend from the band Kiss has sadly died.
The rock world is in mourning after the death of a legendary member of Kiss, one of the most influential and theatrical rock bands in history.
News of the musician’s passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from across the music industry, with fans and fellow performers paying tribute to a figure many credit with redefining rock guitar and stage performance.
Messages of love, shock and gratitude continue to pour in as the global rock community reflects on the loss of a true pioneer.
Following news of the death, surviving members of Kiss released emotional statements.
Two of the founding bandmates described their former colleague as ‘essential and irreplaceable,’ adding that he helped shape the early identity and sound of Kiss.
Another original member simply wrote: “I’m shocked. My friend… I love you.”
Tributes also poured in from across the rock world.
Fellow superstar Alice Cooper described the late musician as: “a true pioneer—one of the great guitar players out there.”
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready said: “I would not have picked up a guitar without his influence.”
Artists from the worlds of hard rock, metal and classic rock shared memories, praising not only his musical talent but also his humour, charisma and bond with fans.
Many said that his unique style inspired them to form bands of their own.
Formed in New York City in 1973, Kiss quickly became one of the biggest rock bands in the world thanks to their explosive live performances, elaborate costumes and distinctive black-and-white face paint.
The band created four instantly recognisable characters: The Demon, The Starchild, The Spaceman and The Catman.
Kiss found fame with hits such as ‘Rock and Roll All Nite,’ ‘Detroit Rock City,’ ‘Shout It Out Loud’ and ‘God of Thunder.’
Their concerts became legendary spectacles featuring pyrotechnics, smoke, fire-breathing and iconic guitar theatrics.
The band sold more than 100 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, per Sky News.
Despite numerous lineup changes and long-running tensions between members, Kiss maintained a devoted global fanbase and toured for five decades before finally retiring from live performances in 2023.
The musician who passed away was Paul Daniel ‘Ace’ Frehley, the original lead guitarist of Kiss and the creator of the Spaceman persona.
His family said they were ‘completely devastated and heartbroken,’ per the Guardian.
Born in the Bronx in 1951, Frehley co-founded Kiss in 1973 and quickly became known for his raw, melodic guitar style and larger-than-life stage presence.
His smoking guitar solos and spaced-out persona helped catapult the band to stardom.
He performed on Kiss’s first nine studio albums and released a hit solo version of ‘New York Groove’ in 1978.
Though he left the band in 1982, he returned for the blockbuster 1996 reunion tour and remained with Kiss until 2002.
He continued to record and tour as a solo artist, releasing eight solo albums, and remained a cult hero among guitarists.
Ace Frehley is survived by his wife, Jeanette, and his daughter Monique, the BBC reports. His legacy as one of rock’s most influential guitarists will live on forever.
He died at the age of 74, surrounded by family, after suffering complications from a recent fall.
