KISS' Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons & Peter Criss Share Tributes For Ace Frehley

The music world is in mourning following the news that original KISS lead guitarist and solo artist Ace Frehley passed away at the age of 74.

The iconic guitarist passed away after sustaining injuries in a fall last month, his family confirmed on Thursday (16 October). Frehley’s KISS bandmates, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss, have since shared tributes on social media.

“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” Stanley and Simmons shared in a statement.

They added, “He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”

In a solo statement, Simmons wrote, “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 [sic] at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”

Criss shared a heartbreaking tribute on his official website.

“With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away,” Criss wrote. “He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well. I love you, my brother.

“My love and prayers go out to Jeanette, Monique, Charlie and Nancy and all of Ace’s extended family, bandmates, fans and friends. May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time.”

He continued, “As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in Ace’s solo career, Ace influenced and touched the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army.

“At this time, I ask all of you to please be respectful to Ace’s family and allow them to grieve privately. To the KISS Army and Ace’s Rock Soldiers, my heart is with you all... Broken...”

News of Frehley’s passing came shortly after it was revealed that the rocker had been put on life support following a fall at his studio last month.

In 2014, Frehley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of KISS.

Frehley's most recent solo album, 10,000 Volts, was released in 2024, with a third volume of his Origins cover albums series previously planned to arrive late this year. At the time of his fall last month, Frehley was reportedly working on a fourth volume of the series.

We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS's legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and… pic.twitter.com/y19anvZXbz

— KISS (@kiss) October 17, 2025

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