The world of rock and roll has lost a legend. Ace Frehley, the iconic guitarist and founding member of KISS, has passed away at the age of 74. His death, a result of a brain bleed following a fall, marks the end of an era for many music lovers.
Frehley's family shared their devastation, expressing how they surrounded him with love and cherished his memory. His impact on music is undeniable, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, he started his musical journey in local bands before auditioning for Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. This audition led to the formation of KISS, where Frehley adopted the persona of "Space Ace" (later "The Spaceman").
KISS released their self-titled debut album in 1974, which included Frehley's song "Cold Gin." He was a key member of the band until 1982, contributing to classic albums like Dressed to Kill, Destroyer, and the legendary live album Alive!. His solo album, released in 1978 alongside the other KISS members' solo projects, is often considered the best of the four, featuring his memorable cover of Hello's "New York Groove."
But here's where it gets controversial... Frehley's departure from KISS in 1982 saw Vinnie Vincent take his place, although Frehley was initially credited on the Creatures of the Night album. He then embarked on a solo career, releasing albums under his own name and as Frehley's Comet, up to 2024's 10,000 Volts. He was also working on a collection of cover songs, Origins Vol. 3.
In 1996, Frehley rejoined KISS for a reunion tour and contributed to the 1998 album Psycho Circus. He left the band again after their then-farewell tour in 2001, only reuniting with them once in 2018 for a KISS Kruise.
Despite expressing interest in rejoining KISS on their recent farewell tour, which concluded in December 2023, he never performed with the band during those shows, including the final concert at Madison Square Garden.
And this is the part most people miss... In an interview earlier this year, Frehley expressed confidence that his legacy would endure for "hundreds of years." He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with KISS in 2014. His influence on countless musicians is a testament to his impact.
What do you think? Do you believe Ace Frehley's contributions to rock music are as significant as the article suggests? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
