Ace Frehley, the influential founding guitarist of KISS, died on Thursday, his family confirmed. He was 74.
While no official cause of death has been confirmed, TMZ—who cited anonymous sources—reported that the rocker was on life support after falling in his studio a few weeks ago and suffering a brain bleed.
The Context
Known for his “Spaceman” persona and distinctive guitar work, Frehley’s death marks the first passing among the original members of one of America’s most iconic rock bands. His influence extended across generations of musicians and fans, helping to define the sound and spectacle of arena rock. The loss leaves a significant mark on the history of American music and culture, with tributes highlighting his artistic legacy and personal impact.
What To Know
Frehley died on October 16 in Morristown, New Jersey. In addition to TMZ’s report, NBC News cited a now-deleted Instagram post that reportedly stated doctors had advised him not to travel following the fall, forcing him to cancel some upcoming concerts.
He later canceled the remainder of his tour dates altogether. “Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates,” a statement posted to Frehley’s official Instagram account read on October 6.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
