Rock world mourns Kiss legend Ace Frehley after his death at 74: ‘He changed the world’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The rock world is mourning the loss of Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of Kiss, who died at 74 after being hospitalized from a fall in his recording studio last month. His death was confirmed on Thursday, October 16, sparking an outpouring of tributes from across the global music community.

Frehley, who helped shape the sound and image of Kiss during the band’s most iconic years, was remembered by fellow bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley as a cornerstone of their legacy and one of rock’s most influential figures.

Kiss co-founders honor Ace Frehley’s legacy

“He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history,” Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley said in a joint statement.

“He is and will always be a part of Kiss’ legacy. Our thoughts are with [Frehley’s wife] Jeanette, [his daughter] Monique, and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world,” they added. 

Simmons also shared a separate tribute on social media, writing, "Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times."

He also expressed his sadness that Frehley would not be there to be honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in December. "Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!" Simmons stated. 

Rock world pays tribute to the ‘Spaceman’

Messages of grief and admiration flooded social media as some of rock’s biggest names paid homage to the “Spaceman.” Members of Pearl Jam, Motley Crue, and other legendary bands celebrated Frehley’s contributions to rock music and his enduring impact on guitarists worldwide.

Motley Crue’s guitarist John 5 shared his heartbreak, writing, “I’m shocked & saddened. Ace Frehley changed the world. He influenced millions of people & changed my life.” The two had been close friends for more than three decades, with John 5 frequently crediting Frehley as one of his earliest musical inspirations.

Pearl Jam's Mike McCready also penned a heartfelt tribute in which he remembered how Frehley and Kiss inspired his musical journey. "I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence. RIP it out Ace, you changed my life. Thank you," McCready's tribute read. 

Slash and Def Leppard members also joined in honoring the trailblazing artist.

Kennedy Center to proceed with Ace Frehley tribute

Following the announcement of Ace Frehley's death, the Kennedy Center confirmed that their scheduled dedication to his musical legacy would go forward this December, with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and other artists expected to take part in the ceremony.

Frehley, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 alongside the original Kiss lineup, left an indelible mark on the world of music. His iconic “Spaceman” persona, explosive stage presence, and pioneering guitar sound helped define an era of arena rock that continues to influence musicians today.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.