Ace Frehley, co-founder and original lead guitarist of the legendary rock band KISS, has died from a brain bleed suffered during a fall last month. Frehley was 74.
A statement from Frehley’s family reads: “We are completely devastated and heartbroken. 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!”
TMZ reported that Frehley was on life support after suffering a brain bleed when he fell while in the studio weeks ago; he canceled his performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California, after suffering what was then described as a “minor fall in his studio, resulting in a trip to the hospital. A statement on his Instagram page said that “He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time.” Less than two weeks later, Frehley’s team posted that he would be canceling all of his remaining appearances in 2025 “due to some ongoing medical issues.”
Frehley – full name Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley — teaming up with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley alongside Peter Criss to launch KISS in 1973. Frehley left the band in 1982 amid substance abuse issues and creative differences to launch a solo career, but rejoined KISS when the original band reunited in 1996 until 2002. In the years between his time with KISS, Frehley performed under his own name, and launched his own band Ace Frehley’s Comet in 1987.
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