Ace Frehley, legendary KISS guitarist, dies at 74

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ace Frehley, the legendary lead guitarist of the rock band KISS, has died at the age of 74, his family said Thursday.

In a statement, his family said they were “devastated and heartbroken,” adding that he was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments. The cause of death was not released.

Frehley, known as “Space Ace” or “Spaceman,” had fallen in his studio in September and later canceled his 2025 tour dates due to health problems.

Born in the Bronx, New York, Frehley co-founded KISS in 1973 with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss. The band became famous for its makeup, costumes and hits such as “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.”

He left the band in 1982 to start his solo career, rejoining in 1996 for a reunion tour before leaving again in 2002.

Kiss co-founders Stanley and Simmons said they were “devastated,” calling Frehley “an essential and irreplaceable part of the band’s history.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame called him “one of the most recognizable and influential guitarists of all time.”