Ace Frehley dies at 74: Kiss guitarist passes away following a recent fall; fans mourn

Ace Frehley, the founding guitarist of the legendary rock band Kiss, has died at the age of 74. He passed away peacefully on Thursday in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by his family, following a recent fall, his agent confirmed, reported Associated Press.

In a statement, Frehley’s family said they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will remember his laughter and the kindness he shared with others.

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Frehley, known by his stage persona “Space Ace” or the “Spaceman,” helped define Kiss with his signature black-and-white face paint, platform boots, and theatrical performances featuring smoke-filled guitars, fireworks, and fake blood.

The band rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City”, selling tens of millions of albums and licensing their iconic look for merchandise. Kiss became known for turning concerts into spectacular shows, blending music with a comic book-style stage presence.

Frehley and the other founding members – Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss – were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

He is the first of the four original members of Kiss to pass away, leaving behind a legacy that shaped rock music and inspired generations of fans with his showmanship and guitar skills.