Earlier this evening, the family of legendary guitarist Ace Frehley confirmed his death at the age of 74.
The founding member of KISS passed away surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall.
His family issued the following statement:
“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 proportion and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
Here’s how others in the music world are honoring the rock legend:
MNRK Music Group
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the devoted community of fans who have stood faithfully by his side through every era of his career,” says MNRK President and CEO Sean Stevenson. “We at MNRK Music Group are deeply honored to have worked alongside Ace and to have been his label home since 2014. His creativity, humor, and passion for music will remain an enduring part of MNRK’s story.”
KISS
GENE SIMMONS
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. 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!
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 16, 2025
BRUCE KULICK
WEEZER
PEARL JAM
CHARLIE BENANTE
GIBSON GUITARS
MAYNARD J. KEENAN
BRET MICHAELS
KENNEDY CENTER
TOM MORELLO
REX BROWN
RUSH
DEE SNIDER
MATT PINFIELD
