KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley Passes Away, Aged 74

KISS co-founding guitarist Ace Frehley has taken one last rocket ride, passing away at the age of 74.

Paul Daniel ‘Ace’ Frehley was hospitalized after sustaining a brain-bleed following a fall in his studio several weeks ago, causing the rocker to cancel the remaining dates on his current solo tour.

A statement from Frehley’s family addresses the sudden loss of the classic rock icon.

“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” the statement reads.

“In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.

“We cherish all of 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 all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”

Ace Frehley made music history as the original guitarist for KISS, defining the band’s early sound with his distinctive riffs and devastating solos. Adopting the persona of The Starman, Frehley embodied every aspect of rock and roll excess, much to the chagrin of his more business-minded bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.

Ace’s penchant for indulgence led to his eventual dismissal from KISS in 1982, to be replaced by guitarists like Bruce Kulick and Tommy Thayer over the years. Yet, no-one has equaled the raw ferocity of what Ace brought to the band in its formative years, playing second fiddle to his definitive sound and style.

Known for his distinctive silver makeup and smoking guitar, Ace Frehley carved an unmistakable identity as a rock legend, inspiring subsequent generations of guitarists. Following his initial tenure with KISS, Ace Frehley embarked on a successful solo career, releasing multiple albums, and touring, while occasionally reuniting with his former bandmates.

In 2011, Frehley released a tell-all biography, ‘No Regrets’ detailing the rise from his early days as a New York street hoodlum in the Bronx, to him achieving worldwide stardom with KISS and the subsequent fallout from his departure.

Ace Frehley scorched his mark on music history, leaving an incredible legacy that will inspire new guitarists for generations to come.

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