Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and a founding member of the iconic glam rock band **KISS**, has died at the age of **74**. According to a statement from his family, the American rock legend passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones in his home state of **New Jersey**.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in The Bronx, New York, Ace became a defining force in rock music after co-founding KISS in 1973 alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. Known as the **“Spaceman”** for his flamboyant makeup and electrifying guitar solos, Frehley helped craft the larger-than-life sound and image that catapulted KISS to global superstardom in the 1970s.
With his blistering leads, Ace left an indelible mark on classic hits like *“Shock Me,” “Detroit Rock City,”* and *“Cold Gin.”* He was also the first member of the band to release a successful solo album in 1978, with his single *“New York Groove”* becoming a Top 20 hit and cementing his status as a rock icon.
Though his journey with KISS was marked by legendary highs and personal struggles, Frehley’s influence on generations of guitarists remains undeniable. Tributes have poured in from across the rock world, with fellow musicians calling him *“a pioneer,” “a true original,”* and *“the heart of KISS’s sound.”*
In their statement, his family described him as *“a loving father, brother, and friend whose music inspired millions.”* Plans for a public memorial are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Ace Frehley’s star will forever shine among the brightest in rock history — a true Spaceman who took rock and roll to another galaxy.
