The music world continues to mourn as the final resting place of Ace Frehley, the iconic founding guitarist of the rock band KISS, has been made public. Frehley passed away last month at the age of 74.
A Tragic End for a Rock Legend
The musician died on October 16, 2024, from a brain injury sustained after a fall, which resulted in blunt head trauma. According to reports, Frehley had been placed on life support before his family made the heart-wrenching decision to remove him from the device.
Entertainment outlet TMZ has since revealed that a private funeral was held for the star. He was laid to rest in a cemetery located in New York City. The publication shared a photograph of his tombstone, which bears a simple yet powerful inscription: 'Paul "Ace" Frehley 1951-2025'.
The Rise of KISS and Ace's Spaceman Persona
Ace Frehley, born Paul Frehley, was a pivotal figure in the creation of KISS in 1973. He performed as a founding member alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. As the band soared to fame in the 1970s, they became known for their explosive theatricality.
Their elaborate makeup and grandiose stage characters distinguished them from other rock acts of the era. Each member adopted a unique persona: Gene Simmons was The Demon, Paul Stanley became Starchild, Peter Criss was Catman, and Ace Frehley famously took on the role of the Spaceman.
In a 1996 interview, Gene Simmons reflected on their distinctive image, noting that while a "glitter scene" was popular in New York at the time, the members of KISS were all tall and unconvincing as performers who acted like girls. Their more formidable presence set them apart.
The band's immense contribution to music was formally recognised when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
A Life Cut Short Despite Hopes for Longevity
Frehley's death in Morristown, New Jersey, followed a reported collapse in his home studio, where he fell and hit his head, triggering the fatal medical crisis.
Ironically, in an interview with The Aquarian in March 2025, the rockstar had expressed optimism about his future. He revealed that a psychic had told him he would live to be one hundred. Frehley also pointed to his family's history of longevity, stating, "Luckily, I have good genes. My dad lived to be 96 and my mom lived to be 86".
After his initial departure from KISS in 1982, Frehley continued his musical journey by forming his own band, Frehley’s Comet, which released two albums. His legacy as the original Spaceman guitarist for KISS remains cemented in rock history.
