KISS Returns to the Stage with Emotional Tribute to Ace Frehley
The legendary rock band KISS performed for the first time this weekend since the sudden passing of their founding guitarist, Ace Frehley, last month at the age of 74. The poignant return took place during their three-day KISS Kruise: Landlocked event in Las Vegas.
A Moment of Reflection for a Founding Father
Frontman Paul Stanley directly addressed the loss during the concert, pausing the festivities to honour his former bandmate. "Obviously, before we get going, and we're going to have an awesome time, we just wanted to take a moment to think about somebody who was at the foundation of this band, and we're talking about Ace," Stanley told the audience. He acknowledged their past differences, adding, "We certainly had differences, but that's what family is about."
The tribute continued the next evening, where Stanley, 73, alongside Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, and Tommy Thayer, referenced Frehley again, albeit briefly, while recalling a 1970s recording session. In a symbolic gesture, guitarist Tommy Thayer, 65, lifted his hand towards the sky before launching into a solo.
Fans Join in Chorus of Remembrance
The sentiment was echoed powerfully by the fans, who repeatedly erupted into chants of "Ace, Ace, Ace" throughout the weekend. This included a moment led by opening act Sebastian Bach on Saturday, November 15, demonstrating the profound and lasting connection Frehley had with the KISS Army.
The Tragic Circumstances of a Rock Legend's Passing
Ace Frehley's cause of death was confirmed last week as blunt force trauma to the head caused by a fall, with officials classifying it as accidental. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer reportedly collapsed in his home studio, suffering a severe fall that triggered the fatal medical crisis.
His representative, Lori Lousararian, told Rolling Stone that his condition worsened after a 'recent fall at his home.' In his final days, Frehley canceled all remaining tour dates. Sources confirmed he was placed on a ventilator with minimal improvement, leading his family to the heartbreaking decision to withdraw life support.
In a statement, his family expressed their devastation, saying they were grateful to have surrounded him with love at the end. They honoured his "finest memories, his laughter, and his strengths and kindness."
A Legacy Forged in Fire and Theatrics
Frehley, who co-founded KISS in 1973 with Stanley, Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss, was a trailblazer in rock theatrics. He pioneered guitars that glowed, emitted smoke, and launched rockets, innovations that shaped live music for generations. After departing the band in 1982, he launched Frehley's Comet and rejoined for the blockbuster 1996 reunion tour, remaining until 2002.
He was proud of his successful solo career, famously citing his enduring 1978 hit "New York Groove" and the countless guitar players he inspired. "I have to say, almost every guitar player I meet... say to me, 'I picked up the guitar because of you,'" he said in an April 2024 interview.
Following his death, Stanley and Simmons issued a joint tribute, calling Frehley "an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier" and affirming that "He is and will always be a part of KISS's legacy."
