Photo by: Jayme Thornton
Influential guitarist Ace Frehley, who rose to prominence as the lead guitar player for KISS, has passed away. He was 74. Several weeks ago, Frehley suffered an injury that required him to be put on life support. His family issued the following on his passing:
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. 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!”
Frehley’s label, MNRK Music Group also issued a statement following the tragic news. They said:
With profound sorrow, MNRK Music Group mourns the loss of the iconic and beloved rock guitarist and MNRK recording artist Ace Frehley, who passed away today at age 74.
‘Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the devoted community of fans who have stood faithfully by his side through every era of his career,’ says MNRK President and CEO Sean Stevenson.
‘We at MNRK Music Group are deeply honored to have worked alongside Ace and to have been his label home since 2014. His creativity, humor, and passion for music will remain an enduring part of MNRK’s story.’
As a founding member of KISS, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and a dynamic solo artist, The Spaceman forever changed the sound and spirit of rock music. His fiery playing, unmistakable style, and larger-than-life presence inspired generations to pick up the guitar and chase their own musical dreams.
His former bandmates in KISS, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley released a joint statement. They said:
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. 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. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”