Remembering Ace Frehley: A Tribute from Rock Legends

A Farewell to the Spaceman

On October 16, 2025, the world of rock mourned the loss of Ace Frehley, the iconic guitarist of Kiss. His remarkable talent, infectious laugh, and groundbreaking performances left a lasting imprint on music lovers and fellow musicians alike. Frehley co-founded Kiss in 1973, and his contributions during their explosive rise made him a legendary figure in rock history.

A Tribute from His Bandmates

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley expressed their devastation in a joint statement: "We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley, 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." Their words capture not just the loss of a bandmate but the essence of a friendship forged in the fires of rock and roll.

“No one can touch Ace's legacy,” Simmons added in a separate tribute. “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 Center Honors event in December. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”

Musicians Unite in Remembrance

Numerous musicians took to social media to share their memories of Ace. Rush, who toured with Kiss in the Seventies, reminisced fondly about their time together. On Instagram, they reflected, "Back in 1974, as the opening act for KISS, Alex, Neil, and I spent many a night hanging out together in his hotel room after shows, doing whatever nonsense we could think of, just to make him break out his inimitable and infectious laugh. He was an undeniable character and an authentic rock star.”

Reflections from Fellow Artists

Other well-known figures, like Tom Morello, honored Frehley's influence, sharing how he was inspired by Frehley's unique style and sound. "The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n roll and love rock n roll guitar playing,” Morello said. “His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble, and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten. Thank you, Ace for a lifetime of great music and memories.”

Legacy and Impact

Frehley's imprint on rock can't be understated. With monumental hits like “I Was Made for Lovin' You” and “Detroit Rock City,” Kiss solidified their place in rock and roll history, enthralling millions worldwide. Frehley's signature lightning bolt makeup and flamboyant guitar solos not only defined a band but also an entire era.

“Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly over the years. I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS's influence,” said Mike McCready from Pearl Jam, capturing the sentiment shared among many who grew up idolizing Frehley.

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Ace Frehley, it's clear that his spirit will continue to resonate through the music we listen to and the artists he inspired. He wasn't just a guitarist; he was a cultural icon whose music transcended the stage. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all the fans who cherished his contribution to rock and roll. Here's to you, Ace, the eternal spaceman.