Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley react to the shock death of their KISS bandmate Ace Frehley
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are mourning the sudden and shocking loss of their former KISS bandmate, Ace Frehley.
The guitarist and co-founder of KISS died at the age of 74 on October 16, weeks after suffering a fall at his home. A few hours before the announcement of his death, TMZ reported that Frehley had been on a ventilator for weeks and his family was considering turning off life support.
Reacting to the news, Simmons, 76, and Stanley, 73, paid tribute to Frehley in a joint statement.
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was a vital and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative chapters of the band and its history.”
They added, “He is and always will be part of the KISS legacy,” even though Frehley left the group in 1982, followed by years of ups and downs between the former group members.
Stanley also posted a personal tribute to X, recalling a fond memory with Frehley a year after the band’s formation.
“I remember in 1974 I was in my room at the Hyatt on Sunset in Los Angeles and heard someone playing a low, fiery guitar in the next room,” he wrote. “I thought, ‘Boy, I wish THIS guy was in the band!'” he recalls, only to realize it was Ace.
Former KISS drummer Peter Criss also shared an emotional message, writing on his website: “With a broken heart and deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him…I love you brother.”
Frehley’s family confirmed that the guitarist died in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall at home. “We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” they said, noting that “the scale of his passing is epic in scale.”
In a September 25 Instagram update, Frehley’s team claimed the fall was “minor” and that the musician was “fine,” but had to cancel upcoming concerts on doctor’s orders. TMZ reported that Frehley was suffering from a brain hemorrhage and was not improving while on a ventilator.
Best known for his hit New York grooveFrehley’s larger-than-life spirit and stunning guitar solos helped define the KISS sound and left a legacy that will live on forever.
