MORRISTOWN, NJ—On October 16, Paul Daniel Frehley, better known as, Ace Frehley rockstar, and lead guitarist for the 70s band, KISS has died. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown following a recent fall at his home. He was 74. The Frehley family issued the following statement. The full text may be found on the Ace Frehley webpage.
We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to be able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers, and intentions as he left this earth.
We cherish all 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 his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
He was born in the Bronx, New York. His given name was Paul Daniel Frehley. He began playing guitar at age 13. He was influenced by many of the greats who contributed to the music of the 70s including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix.
In January 1973, Ace Frehley responded to an advertisement in The Village Voice. It was then that he joined Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons in forming the band, KISS.
The news of Frehley’s death spread quickly. The following tributes were posted on X social media.
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Freley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world—KISS
So sad to hear of the mighty Ace’s tragic passing. Love and healing to his family and many fans worldwide. —Rick Springfield
“The Kennedy Center is saddened to hear of the passing of one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees, Ace Frehley of the band KISS.
We send our deepest condolences to his friends, his family, and millions of fans worldwide.
We will be paying tribute to this “rock soldier”, his work, and his legacy at our ceremony” on December7th.
Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, nieces, Suncere Frehley and Julie Salvner, nephews Sky Frehley and Andrew Salvner, sister-in-law Michelanne and brother-in-law Ron Salvner.
