Members of KISS , and former bandmates of Ace Frehley , mourned his death. The former guitarist and founding member of the band died this Thursday, October 16th, at the age of 74. The cause of Ace's death was not revealed, although the musician was hospitalized, reportedly breathing through machines, after suffering a fall in his studio.
In a statement on the social network X , Gene Simmons , vocalist and bassist of KISS, lamented:
“Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed away. No one can touch his legacy. I know he loved his fans. He told me that many times. Even sadder, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in December. Ace was the eternal soldier of rock. May his legacy live on!”
Paul Stanley posted a very personal testimony on X : “I remember 1974, when I was in my room at the Hyatt Hotel on Sunset in Los Angeles, and I heard someone playing an intense, soulful guitar in the next room. I thought, 'Man, I wish THAT guy was in the band.' I looked out the balcony… and it was him. It was Ace. This is my favorite picture of the two of us.”
The official KISS Instagram account posted : “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative chapters of the band and its history. He is and always will be part of the KISS legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Current guitarist Tommy Thayer posted on his social media: “A legend who will never be forgotten. He inspired generations of guitarists, myself included, to strive for excellence. It was an honor to follow in his footsteps. His legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, Ace.”
Former members also mourn the death of Ace Frehley.
Peter Criss, the original drummer for KISS, left a brief message on X : “I’m shocked!!! My friend… I love you!”. He then posted a longer message on his Facebook and official website:
"With a broken heart and profound sadness, my brother Ace Frehley passed away. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family. My wife and I were with him until the very end. I love you, my brother. My love and prayers go out to Jeanette, Monique, Charlie and Nancy and all of Ace's extended family, bandmates, fans and friends."
May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time. As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in his solo career, Ace influenced and touched the hearts of millions. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army. At this time, I ask that you all please be respectful of Ace's family and allow them to grieve in private. To the KISS Army and Ace's 'Rock Soldiers,' my heart is with you all… Broken…”
Bruce Kulick , former guitarist, said: “Ace’s death is devastating for the rock world. It has deeply affected me. He was a unique and truly iconic guitarist. His undeniable role in the creation and success of Kiss cannot be forgotten. He was not only loved by everyone, but also influenced millions of guitarists around the world. Rest in peace.”
Gene Simmons invited Ace Frehley to a KISS event.
Previously, Gene Simmons commented that he hadn't ruled out the possibility of sharing the stage with former bandmates Ace Frehley and Peter Criss during the KISS Army: Storms Vegas , scheduled to take place this November in Las Vegas. Despite the former members' refusal, Gene kept the door open. "I personally invited Ace and Peter to join us on stage at Madison Square Garden [for the final show of the farewell tour]. But they said no. 'I want this, I want that.' 'You can't have this, but join us to celebrate the beginning,'" he said.
Next, Ace Frehley confirmed the invitation and said he had refused : “They invited me and I refused. No way am I going to get involved in that, you know? Their biggest mistake is that they should have done it at Madison Square Garden, not in Las Vegas, in a place with 5,000 seats, or something like that.”
However, Ace gave fans hope: “I’m the kind of guy who never says never. I don’t hate Paul or Gene, you know? We’re rock and roll brothers, and so is Peter. So, anything can happen.”
READ ALSO: Ace Frehley, founding guitarist of KISS, dies at age 74
