Ace Frehley of KISS dies at 74 Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY October 17, 2025 at 12:23 AM 172 Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and legendary "Spaceman" of KISS, has died. Frehley died Oct. 16 after reportedly being on life support following a recent fall at his home. He was 74.
- - Ace Frehley of KISS dies at 74
Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY October 17, 2025 at 12:23 AM
172
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and legendary "Spaceman" of KISS, has died.
Frehley died Oct. 16 after reportedly being on life support following a recent fall at his home. He was 74.
The rocker's family said the musician passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, in a statement to USA TODAY.
"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!" the statement read.
Ace Frehley, guitarist and original member of KISS, died at 74 on Oct. 16, 2025.
More: KISS rocker Ace Frehley remembered by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons
A week before his death, on Oct. 7, Frehley canceled his remaining tour dates for 2025, citing "ongoing medical issues." The announcement came shortly after he was hospitalized for what was characterized as a "minor fall" in his studio.
Frehley joined KISS at the start of the band's career in 1973 after auditioning for singer Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss in their New York hometown. His initial tenure in the band ended in 1982, when Frehley embarked on a solo career with Frehley's Comet.
Frehley's onstage antics were as notable as Simmons' fire breathing and Stanley zip lining over crowds. In his silver platform boots, Frehley would stand with his trademark Gibson Les Paul tilted upward, fireworks and smoke shooting from the guitar neck in a display of rock 'n' roll flamboyance previously unseen in live shows.
Though relations between Frehley and the remaining members of KISS were often fraught following his early '80s departure, he rejoined the band in 1996 for a massive reunion tour. He remained in KISS until 2001, when he performed on what was then billed as the band's farewell tour.
Frehley was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the other members of KISS in 2014.
The guitarist is the first original member of KISS to pass away. In 1991, drummer Eric Carr, who replaced Criss in 1980, died of heart cancer.
KISS (from left to right): Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss and Gene Simmons pose by the star they received during a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony Aug. 11, 1999 in Hollywood.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/eUSvu94 class=caas-img data-headline="Ace Frehley: Look back at the KISS original member and guitarist's career" data-caption="
KISS (from left to right): Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss and Gene Simmons pose by the star they received during a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony Aug. 11, 1999 in Hollywood.
">KISS (from left to right): Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss and Gene Simmons pose by the star they received during a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony Aug. 11, 1999 in Hollywood.
" src=https://ift.tt/eUSvu94 class=caas-img>
1 / 16Ace Frehley: Look back at the KISS original member and guitarist's careerAmerican rock group KISS arrive at London airport for their first European tour, already sporting black and silver make up and costumes on May 10, 1976. From left to right they are guitarist Ace Frehley, lead singer Gene Simmons, guitarist Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss.Ace Frehley's 'Cold Gin' sparked KISS' career
The musician, born Paul Daniel Frehley in the New York borough of the Bronx in 1951, started playing guitar at 13 after receiving the instrument as a Christmas present and immersing himself in the music of Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy.
He earned his career-long moniker in high school, when friends dubbed him a "real ace" at getting dates.
After years playing in local bands and earning a steady paycheck from jobs as a taxi driver and mail carrier, Frehley was christened as KISS' guitarist after famously showing up for his audition wearing one red and one orange sneaker.
When KISS decided to enhance the theatrical elements of their musical presentation with elaborate face paint, Frehley adopted the persona of The Spaceman and decorated his eyes with silver stars. In his 2011 memoir "No Regrets," Frehley revealed his stage identity was tied to his interest in science fiction and space travel.
In addition to stirring generations of guitarists based on a combination of cool showmanship and playing inspired by Jimmy Page, Frehley contributed numerous songs to the KISS canon, beginning with "Cold Gin" on the band's 1974 self-titled debut.
Frehley's kinetic playing is also integral to KISS staples including "Deuce," "Detroit Rock City" and "Love Gun."
Though his guitar playing was celebrated, his lack of confidence in his singing inhibited Frehley from offering any lead vocals until "Shock Me," from KISS' 1977 "Love Gun" album.
One of his most memorable songs remains a cover of "New York Groove," originally released in 1976 by the band Hello. Frehley recorded the song for his 1978 eponymous KISS solo album (as all of the band members did that year). Its slick sound and pop-leaning chorus was a precursor to one of KISS' most polarizing songs, the disco-fied "I Was Made for Lovin' You," released the following year and a No. 11 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
Ace Frehley's solo career and the KISS reunion that never happened
With Frehley's Comet, Frehley released a pair of albums in 1987 ("Frehley's Comet") and 1988 ("Second Sighting") with a band that included renowned session drummer Anton Fig, part of Paul Shaffer's World's Most Dangerous Band, and bassist John Regan, known for his work with Peter Frampton.
Frehley achieved minor chart success with the rock songs "Into the Night" and "Rock Soldiers," but soon nixed the Frehley's Comet name in favor of recording under his own name.
Frehley released one more solo album, "Trouble Walkin'," in 1989 before his reunions with KISS. In the late 2000s, he returned to recording and released six albums, including Origins Vol. 1 in 2016, Origins Vol. 2 in 2020 and his final album, "10,000 Volts" in 2024.
formed the band KISS in 1973 in New York. In 2023, Simmons chatted with USA TODAY about the final band's days: "It's complex. I can sit here in my hotel room and wax poetic about all of this stuff, but those are matters of the mind, the semantics emanating out of my oral passage. You can talk about something but until you're there, the matters of the heart don't kick in. There is an enormous sense of pride the band has, including Tommy (Thayer) and Eric (Singer), who have been with us more than 20 years. We're enormously proud of what we did."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Rock legends Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss formed the band KISS in 1973 in New York. In 2023, Simmons chatted with USA TODAY about the final band's days: "It's complex. I can sit here in my hotel room and wax poetic about all of this stuff, but those are matters of the mind, the semantics emanating out of my oral passage. You can talk about something but until you're there, the matters of the heart don't kick in. There is an enormous sense of pride the band has, including Tommy (Thayer) and Eric (Singer), who have been with us more than 20 years. We're enormously proud of what we did."
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Is47ZNY class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Rock legends Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss formed the band KISS in 1973 in New York. In 2023, Simmons chatted with USA TODAY about the final band's days: "It's complex. I can sit here in my hotel room and wax poetic about all of this stuff, but those are matters of the mind, the semantics emanating out of my oral passage. You can talk about something but until you're there, the matters of the heart don't kick in. There is an enormous sense of pride the band has, including Tommy (Thayer) and Eric (Singer), who have been with us more than 20 years. We're enormously proud of what we did."
">Rock legends Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss formed the band KISS in 1973 in New York. In 2023, Simmons chatted with USA TODAY about the final band's days: "It's complex. I can sit here in my hotel room and wax poetic about all of this stuff, but those are matters of the mind, the semantics emanating out of my oral passage. You can talk about something but until you're there, the matters of the heart don't kick in. There is an enormous sense of pride the band has, including Tommy (Thayer) and Eric (Singer), who have been with us more than 20 years. We're enormously proud of what we did."
" src=https://ift.tt/Is47ZNY class=caas-img>KISS pose on Westminster Bridge in London at the start of their first ever European tour in 1976. The band members are, from left to right: Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/xEmWkeX class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS pose on Westminster Bridge in London at the start of their first ever European tour in 1976. The band members are, from left to right: Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons.
">KISS pose on Westminster Bridge in London at the start of their first ever European tour in 1976. The band members are, from left to right: Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons.
" src=https://ift.tt/xEmWkeX class=caas-img>Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley, members of the heavy metal band KISS, perform at the Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Dec. 27, 1976.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/iVcnBM0 class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley, members of the heavy metal band KISS, perform at the Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Dec. 27, 1976.
">Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley, members of the heavy metal band KISS, perform at the Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Dec. 27, 1976.
" src=https://ift.tt/iVcnBM0 class=caas-img>Gene Simmons of KISS spits fire during a performance at Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Dec. 27, 1976.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/XkPaFmi class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons of KISS spits fire during a performance at Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Dec. 27, 1976.
">Gene Simmons of KISS spits fire during a performance at Cumberland County Memorial Auditorium in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Dec. 27, 1976.
" src=https://ift.tt/XkPaFmi class=caas-img>Paul Stanley performs during the KISS concert at Corpus Christi's Memorial Coliseum on Jan. 19, 1984, in Texas. This was the band's first tour without their signature makeup.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Hje0Dim class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Paul Stanley performs during the KISS concert at Corpus Christi's Memorial Coliseum on Jan. 19, 1984, in Texas. This was the band's first tour without their signature makeup.
">Paul Stanley performs during the KISS concert at Corpus Christi's Memorial Coliseum on Jan. 19, 1984, in Texas. This was the band's first tour without their signature makeup.
" src=https://ift.tt/Hje0Dim class=caas-img>KISS guitarist Paul Stanley and bassist Gene Simmons perform July 19, 1996, at Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/EtWMgas class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS guitarist Paul Stanley and bassist Gene Simmons perform July 19, 1996, at Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
">KISS guitarist Paul Stanley and bassist Gene Simmons perform July 19, 1996, at Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
" src=https://ift.tt/EtWMgas class=caas-img>KISS members perform at Memorial Coliseum in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Feb. 24, 1986.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/MJKaZO0 class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS members perform at Memorial Coliseum in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Feb. 24, 1986.
">KISS members perform at Memorial Coliseum in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Feb. 24, 1986.
" src=https://ift.tt/MJKaZO0 class=caas-img>KISS performs at GreenVille Memorial Auditorium in South Carolina, on July 1, 1979.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/GcihuqN class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS performs at GreenVille Memorial Auditorium in South Carolina, on July 1, 1979.
">KISS performs at GreenVille Memorial Auditorium in South Carolina, on July 1, 1979.
" src=https://ift.tt/GcihuqN class=caas-img>KISS performs at GreenVille Memorial Auditorium in South Carolina, on July 1, 1979.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/92Fjy5I class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS performs at GreenVille Memorial Auditorium in South Carolina, on July 1, 1979.
">KISS performs at GreenVille Memorial Auditorium in South Carolina, on July 1, 1979.
" src=https://ift.tt/92Fjy5I class=caas-img>KISS performs at GreenVille Memorial Auditorium in South Carolina, on July 1, 1979.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/SnU8TWw class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS performs at GreenVille Memorial Auditorium in South Carolina, on July 1, 1979.
">KISS performs at GreenVille Memorial Auditorium in South Carolina, on July 1, 1979.
" src=https://ift.tt/SnU8TWw class=caas-img>Gene Simmons waves his top-knotted hair and stuck out his famous tongue, a lot, at his fans packing Municipal Auditorium Jan. 30, 1983, in Nashville.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/XgvptKw class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons waves his top-knotted hair and stuck out his famous tongue, a lot, at his fans packing Municipal Auditorium Jan. 30, 1983, in Nashville.
">Gene Simmons waves his top-knotted hair and stuck out his famous tongue, a lot, at his fans packing Municipal Auditorium Jan. 30, 1983, in Nashville.
" src=https://ift.tt/XgvptKw class=caas-img>KISS performs at Rochester Community War Memorial in Rochester, New York, in 1986.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/4XmkC3B class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS performs at Rochester Community War Memorial in Rochester, New York, in 1986.
">KISS performs at Rochester Community War Memorial in Rochester, New York, in 1986.
" src=https://ift.tt/4XmkC3B class=caas-img>KISS performs at Rochester Community War Memorial in Rochester, New York, in 1986.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/IhHwCc0 class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS performs at Rochester Community War Memorial in Rochester, New York, in 1986.
">KISS performs at Rochester Community War Memorial in Rochester, New York, in 1986.
" src=https://ift.tt/IhHwCc0 class=caas-img>Members of KISS pose for photographers in the photo room at the 38th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 28, 1996.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/UeoFuXG class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Members of KISS pose for photographers in the photo room at the 38th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 28, 1996.
">Members of KISS pose for photographers in the photo room at the 38th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 28, 1996.
" src=https://ift.tt/UeoFuXG class=caas-img>Paul Stanley, lead singer for the rock group KISS, holds up a Playboy Magazine, in which the band has a spread, with the other members of the band on Jan. 29, 1999, during a press conference in Miami, Florida.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/wfq0sGL class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Paul Stanley, lead singer for the rock group KISS, holds up a Playboy Magazine, in which the band has a spread, with the other members of the band on Jan. 29, 1999, during a press conference in Miami, Florida.
">Paul Stanley, lead singer for the rock group KISS, holds up a Playboy Magazine, in which the band has a spread, with the other members of the band on Jan. 29, 1999, during a press conference in Miami, Florida.
" src=https://ift.tt/wfq0sGL class=caas-img>Paul Stanley of KISS during a pregame performance at Super Bowl 33 on Jan. 31, 1999, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/v2XnTD4 class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Paul Stanley of KISS during a pregame performance at Super Bowl 33 on Jan. 31, 1999, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
">Paul Stanley of KISS during a pregame performance at Super Bowl 33 on Jan. 31, 1999, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
" src=https://ift.tt/v2XnTD4 class=caas-img>KISS perform at the HSBC arena in Buffalo, New York, on June 24, 2000.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/ELkPN8d class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS perform at the HSBC arena in Buffalo, New York, on June 24, 2000.
">KISS perform at the HSBC arena in Buffalo, New York, on June 24, 2000.
" src=https://ift.tt/ELkPN8d class=caas-img>Gene Simmons grabs lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots Scott Weiland as they arrive at the "My VH1 Music Awards" on Nov. 30, 2000.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/7G4NKxD class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons grabs lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots Scott Weiland as they arrive at the "My VH1 Music Awards" on Nov. 30, 2000.
">Gene Simmons grabs lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots Scott Weiland as they arrive at the "My VH1 Music Awards" on Nov. 30, 2000.
" src=https://ift.tt/7G4NKxD class=caas-img>Gene Simmons and his wife, Shannon Tweed, arrive at the world premiere of Warner Bros. "Swordfish" on June 4, 2001.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/XphSYOF class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons and his wife, Shannon Tweed, arrive at the world premiere of Warner Bros. "Swordfish" on June 4, 2001.
">Gene Simmons and his wife, Shannon Tweed, arrive at the world premiere of Warner Bros. "Swordfish" on June 4, 2001.
" src=https://ift.tt/XphSYOF class=caas-img>Paul Stanley jokes with former bandmate Gene Simmons and his girlfriend Shannon Tweed as they arrive at the premiere of the new film "Rock Star" in Los Angeles on Sept. 4, 2001.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/yvdik0a class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Paul Stanley jokes with former bandmate Gene Simmons and his girlfriend Shannon Tweed as they arrive at the premiere of the new film "Rock Star" in Los Angeles on Sept. 4, 2001.
">Paul Stanley jokes with former bandmate Gene Simmons and his girlfriend Shannon Tweed as they arrive at the premiere of the new film "Rock Star" in Los Angeles on Sept. 4, 2001.
" src=https://ift.tt/yvdik0a class=caas-img>(L-R) Russell Simmons, Paul Stanley of KISS, Carole King, Gene Simmons of KISS and Peter Criss of KISS receive awards at the Hero Awards on Dec. 4, 2001, at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/jWA38c4 class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
(L-R) Russell Simmons, Paul Stanley of KISS, Carole King, Gene Simmons of KISS and Peter Criss of KISS receive awards at the Hero Awards on Dec. 4, 2001, at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.
">(L-R) Russell Simmons, Paul Stanley of KISS, Carole King, Gene Simmons of KISS and Peter Criss of KISS receive awards at the Hero Awards on Dec. 4, 2001, at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.
" src=https://ift.tt/jWA38c4 class=caas-img>Gene Simmons autographs and promotes his book "Kiss And Make-up" in Century City, California, in Jan. 8, 2002.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/iN5LnEF class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons autographs and promotes his book "Kiss And Make-up" in Century City, California, in Jan. 8, 2002.
">Gene Simmons autographs and promotes his book "Kiss And Make-up" in Century City, California, in Jan. 8, 2002.
" src=https://ift.tt/iN5LnEF class=caas-img>KISS performs during the closing ceremonies for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/m3OSQEz class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS performs during the closing ceremonies for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.
">KISS performs during the closing ceremonies for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.
" src=https://ift.tt/m3OSQEz class=caas-img>Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California on April 19, 2002.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/AfsUjHN class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California on April 19, 2002.
">Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California on April 19, 2002.
" src=https://ift.tt/AfsUjHN class=caas-img>KISS bassist Gene Simmons mingles with Playboy founder Hugh Hefner during the Tongue Magazine Fall 2002 Issue release party featuring covergirl Carrie Stevens on Sept. 27, 2002, in West Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/DYoxBpd class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS bassist Gene Simmons mingles with Playboy founder Hugh Hefner during the Tongue Magazine Fall 2002 Issue release party featuring covergirl Carrie Stevens on Sept. 27, 2002, in West Hollywood, California.
">KISS bassist Gene Simmons mingles with Playboy founder Hugh Hefner during the Tongue Magazine Fall 2002 Issue release party featuring covergirl Carrie Stevens on Sept. 27, 2002, in West Hollywood, California.
" src=https://ift.tt/DYoxBpd class=caas-img>Gene Simmons and his son Nick arrive at the premiere of "Shanghai Knights" at the El Capitan Theatre on Feb. 3, 2003, in Los Angeles, California.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/tMxwzPm class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons and his son Nick arrive at the premiere of "Shanghai Knights" at the El Capitan Theatre on Feb. 3, 2003, in Los Angeles, California.
">Gene Simmons and his son Nick arrive at the premiere of "Shanghai Knights" at the El Capitan Theatre on Feb. 3, 2003, in Los Angeles, California.
" src=https://ift.tt/tMxwzPm class=caas-img>Gene Simmons holds his new book at a release party on June 26, 2003, in New York City.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/9EJesaO class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons holds his new book at a release party on June 26, 2003, in New York City.
">Gene Simmons holds his new book at a release party on June 26, 2003, in New York City.
" src=https://ift.tt/9EJesaO class=caas-img>Joe Perry encounters Gene Simmons of the band KISS backstage prior to Aerosmith's show at Meadow Music Theatre on the first night as they tour together in 2003.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/SvaPl9M class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Joe Perry encounters Gene Simmons of the band KISS backstage prior to Aerosmith's show at Meadow Music Theatre on the first night as they tour together in 2003.
">Joe Perry encounters Gene Simmons of the band KISS backstage prior to Aerosmith's show at Meadow Music Theatre on the first night as they tour together in 2003.
" src=https://ift.tt/SvaPl9M class=caas-img>Paul Stanley and his family at the after party for MGM's "Agent Cody Banks II" at the Hammer Museum on March 6, 2004, in Westwood, California.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/GeZhgAr class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Paul Stanley and his family at the after party for MGM's "Agent Cody Banks II" at the Hammer Museum on March 6, 2004, in Westwood, California.
">Paul Stanley and his family at the after party for MGM's "Agent Cody Banks II" at the Hammer Museum on March 6, 2004, in Westwood, California.
" src=https://ift.tt/GeZhgAr class=caas-img>Paul Stanley performs live during the 2004 Rock the Nation World Tour at the Rod Laver Arena on May 13, 2004, in Melbourne, Australia.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/sCm2o8S class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Paul Stanley performs live during the 2004 Rock the Nation World Tour at the Rod Laver Arena on May 13, 2004, in Melbourne, Australia.
">Paul Stanley performs live during the 2004 Rock the Nation World Tour at the Rod Laver Arena on May 13, 2004, in Melbourne, Australia.
" src=https://ift.tt/sCm2o8S class=caas-img>
Adam Lambert and Paul Stanley perform onstage during the "American Idol" season 8 finale at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 20, 2009, in Los Angeles, California.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/5jO71RE class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Adam Lambert and Paul Stanley perform onstage during the "American Idol" season 8 finale at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 20, 2009, in Los Angeles, California.
">Adam Lambert and Paul Stanley perform onstage during the "American Idol" season 8 finale at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 20, 2009, in Los Angeles, California.
" src=https://ift.tt/5jO71RE class=caas-img>Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp poses with Gene Simmons before the game between the Dodgers and the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium on July 5, 2011.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/W2loXef class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp poses with Gene Simmons before the game between the Dodgers and the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium on July 5, 2011.
">Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp poses with Gene Simmons before the game between the Dodgers and the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium on July 5, 2011.
" src=https://ift.tt/W2loXef class=caas-img>Gene Simmons of KISS poses for a portrait in 2017 in New York City.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/PmF9XOb class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons of KISS poses for a portrait in 2017 in New York City.
">Gene Simmons of KISS poses for a portrait in 2017 in New York City.
" src=https://ift.tt/PmF9XOb class=caas-img>Members of the rock band KISS: Paul Stanley (The Starchild, center), Gene Simmons (The Demon), Eric Singer (The Catman) and Tommy Thayer (The Spaceman) in 2017.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/7YPCEjp class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Members of the rock band KISS: Paul Stanley (The Starchild, center), Gene Simmons (The Demon), Eric Singer (The Catman) and Tommy Thayer (The Spaceman) in 2017.
">Members of the rock band KISS: Paul Stanley (The Starchild, center), Gene Simmons (The Demon), Eric Singer (The Catman) and Tommy Thayer (The Spaceman) in 2017.
" src=https://ift.tt/7YPCEjp class=caas-img>The band KISS, including Eric Singer, shown here, perform in Indianapolis on Nov. 25, 2023.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/tqQFO8Y class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
The band KISS, including Eric Singer, shown here, perform in Indianapolis on Nov. 25, 2023.
">The band KISS, including Eric Singer, shown here, perform in Indianapolis on Nov. 25, 2023.
" src=https://ift.tt/tqQFO8Y class=caas-img>Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer of KISS are lowered to the stage at the KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 12, 2019.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/BRT2yt6 class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer of KISS are lowered to the stage at the KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 12, 2019.
">Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer of KISS are lowered to the stage at the KFC Yum Center in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 12, 2019.
" src=https://ift.tt/BRT2yt6 class=caas-img>Gene Simmons of KISS entertains the crowd at the KFC Yum Center on March 12, 2019.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/sRxQDYo class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons of KISS entertains the crowd at the KFC Yum Center on March 12, 2019.
">Gene Simmons of KISS entertains the crowd at the KFC Yum Center on March 12, 2019.
" src=https://ift.tt/sRxQDYo class=caas-img>Eric Carr of KISS entertains the crowd at the KFC Yum Center on March 12, 2019.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/RjxW25l class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Eric Carr of KISS entertains the crowd at the KFC Yum Center on March 12, 2019.
">Eric Carr of KISS entertains the crowd at the KFC Yum Center on March 12, 2019.
" src=https://ift.tt/RjxW25l class=caas-img>
Gene Simmons of KISS entertains the crowd at the KFC Yum Center on March 12, 2019.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/kJBj5GV class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Gene Simmons of KISS entertains the crowd at the KFC Yum Center on March 12, 2019.
">Gene Simmons of KISS entertains the crowd at the KFC Yum Center on March 12, 2019.
" src=https://ift.tt/kJBj5GV class=caas-img>KISS performs during their End of The Road world tour at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, on March 13, 2019.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/lIgxJ9O class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS performs during their End of The Road world tour at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, on March 13, 2019.
">KISS performs during their End of The Road world tour at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, on March 13, 2019.
" src=https://ift.tt/lIgxJ9O class=caas-img>KISS performs during their End of The Road world tour at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, on March 13, 2019.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/0X74Pak class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS performs during their End of The Road world tour at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, on March 13, 2019.
">KISS performs during their End of The Road world tour at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, on March 13, 2019.
" src=https://ift.tt/0X74Pak class=caas-img>Tupac Shakur and KISS present the best pop performance by a duo or group award at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 26, 1996.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/lZ9Xfkp class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Tupac Shakur and KISS present the best pop performance by a duo or group award at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 26, 1996.
">Tupac Shakur and KISS present the best pop performance by a duo or group award at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 26, 1996.
" src=https://ift.tt/lZ9Xfkp class=caas-img>The band KISS, including Paul Stanley, shown here, brings The End of the Road World Tour to Grainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 25, 2023.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/gWjDNzS class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
The band KISS, including Paul Stanley, shown here, brings The End of the Road World Tour to Grainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 25, 2023.
">The band KISS, including Paul Stanley, shown here, brings The End of the Road World Tour to Grainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 25, 2023.
" src=https://ift.tt/gWjDNzS class=caas-img>KISS on tour in 2023.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/NuvFLHV class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS on tour in 2023.
">KISS on tour in 2023.
" src=https://ift.tt/NuvFLHV class=caas-img>The band KISS, including Tommy Thayer, shown here, brings The End of the Road World Tour to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 25, 2023.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/cYXVUCt class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
The band KISS, including Tommy Thayer, shown here, brings The End of the Road World Tour to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 25, 2023.
">The band KISS, including Tommy Thayer, shown here, brings The End of the Road World Tour to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 25, 2023.
" src=https://ift.tt/cYXVUCt class=caas-img>KISS band member Gene Simmons with Potawatomi dancers on Sept. 1, 2023.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/zm9E3rY class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS band member Gene Simmons with Potawatomi dancers on Sept. 1, 2023.
">KISS band member Gene Simmons with Potawatomi dancers on Sept. 1, 2023.
" src=https://ift.tt/zm9E3rY class=caas-img>KISS goes on tour in Indianapolis on Nov. 25, 2023.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/qocHsMT class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
KISS goes on tour in Indianapolis on Nov. 25, 2023.
">KISS goes on tour in Indianapolis on Nov. 25, 2023.
" src=https://ift.tt/qocHsMT class=caas-img>Fans dress in full KISS regalia as the band brings The End of the Road World Tour to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 25, 2023.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/ZsSIz1v class=caas-img data-headline="KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss" data-caption="
Fans dress in full KISS regalia as the band brings The End of the Road World Tour to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 25, 2023.
">Fans dress in full KISS regalia as the band brings The End of the Road World Tour to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Nov. 25, 2023.
" src=https://ift.tt/ZsSIz1v class=caas-img>
1 / 50KISS rock 'n' roll moments with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss
Rock legends Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss formed the band KISS in 1973 in New York. In 2023, Simmons chatted with USA TODAY about the final band's days: "It's complex. I can sit here in my hotel room and wax poetic about all of this stuff, but those are matters of the mind, the semantics emanating out of my oral passage. You can talk about something but until you're there, the matters of the heart don't kick in. There is an enormous sense of pride the band has, including Tommy (Thayer) and Eric (Singer), who have been with us more than 20 years. We're enormously proud of what we did."
The complicated relationship among Frehley, Simmons and Stanley was underscored during the band's End of the Road farewell tour.
Before the band's final show at Madison Square Garden in December 2023, Simmons told USA TODAY that it was unlikely that fans would see Frehley (and Criss) take a final bow with the storied rockers.
"Ace and Peter had been in and out of band three times. We love and cherish them and they will always be part of the KISS family," Simmons said. "We've had many differences about unprofessional behavior. KISS has always been a machine. We show up on time and we tried on three occasions over three decades to bring them back into the band and it always wound up the same."
Ace Frehley, guitarist and original member of KISS, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2014. Frehley died Oct. 16, 2025 at the age of 74.
He added, "I do know, KISS would not have happened without Ace and Peter. There's no question of the chemistry. But I don't think KISS would have survived with Ace and Peter."
Frehley revisited the snub in an August 2025 interview with Guitar World, saying Simmons and Stanley reneged on their original proposal to bring the original band together one final time.
"A few months before the concert, they both changed their tune and said, 'Ace and Peter (Criss) aren't going to do it.' In fact, Paul went on to say, 'If Ace and Peter got on stage with us, the band could be called Piss.' So, I kind of got into an argument with him," Frehley said, before adding that a reunification remained a possibility.
"I'm the kind of guy that never says never," he said. "I don't hate Paul or Gene, you know? We're rock and roll brothers, and Peter, too. So, anything can happen."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ace Frehley of KISS dies at 74
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October 17, 2025 at 06:36AM