'He Is and Will Always Be a Part of KISS's Legacy': Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and More Rockers Pay Tribute to Ace Frehley

Following Ace Frehley's passing, the music world is responding with sorrow, heartfelt tributes, and stories that honor his role in shaping KISS and rock history.

He was the leather-clad Spaceman whose riffs defined a generation and whose stage presence became the stuff of rock legend. Now, Ace Frehley, the trailblazing guitarist who helped launch KISS into the stratosphere, has died at 74, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the sound, spectacle, and soul of American rock.

Frehley passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2025, surrounded by family. It was a quiet end for a man whose life had been anything but.

The announcement triggered a flood of tributes from across the music world, with fellow band members, musicians, and fans expressing their grief and celebrating the man whose guitar work helped turn KISS into a rock institution.

Peter Criss by His Side as He Takes His Final Bow

Criss, KISS's original drummer and one of the few people present for Frehley's final hours, released a deeply personal statement hours later.

"With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away," he 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."

Criss extended his love and prayers to the late guitarist's estranged wife, Jeanette, his daughter, Monique, and other close family members, including Charlie and Nancy, writing, "May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time."

He called on the public to "please be respectful" and allow Frehley's loved ones to grieve, while acknowledging the devastation of the fans — the loyal KISS Army and Frehley's own Rock Soldiers. He offered this, "My heart is with you all… Broken…"

In closing, Criss reflected on Frehley's extraordinary legacy, "As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in Ace's solo career, Ace influenced and touch[ed] the hearts of millions of people."

'An Irreplaceable Rock Soldier': Simmons and Stanley React

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, the other surviving co-founders of KISS, released a joint statement expressing their devastation at the loss of their once-bandmate. "He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier," they stated.

"He is and will always be a part of KISS's legacy," they declared, extending heartfelt condolences to Frehley's loved ones and "all those who loved him, including [KISS] fans around the world."

Later, Simmons took to X with a separate message. He posted, "Our hearts are broken [...] No one can touch Ace's legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times."

But in a final twist of tragedy, Simmons revealed Frehley had been set to receive a Kennedy Center Honor in December 2025 — a moment he never got to see.

"Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!" he concluded.

'A One-of-a-Kind Icon': Rock Legends Salute the Spaceman

Bruce Kulick, who played guitar with KISS during their non-makeup era, called the news devastating, adding, "He was one of a kind and truly an iconic guitar player. His undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS cannot be forgotten."

Kulick paid tribute to Frehley's massive influence, saying, "Not only was he loved by all, he influenced millions of guitarists around the world. RIP."

The guitar elite were united in mourning. Steve Vai, known for his blistering speed and stagecraft, remembered Frehley as "the embodiment of rock 'n' roll attitude — unapologetic, loud, and irresistibly catchy."

"His riffs had swagger, his tone had bite, and his presence lit up stages like a supernova," Vai declared. "The Spaceman has left the stage, but his orbit will shine forever."

Tom Morello: He Was 'My First Guitar Hero'

Tom Morello, the iconic Rage Against the Machine guitarist, remembered Frehley as the man who made him fall in love with the instrument. "My first guitar hero," he wrote.

"The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n roll and love rock n roll guitar playing," Morello posted to Instagram.

He recalled Frehley's trademark visual flair, painting a picture fans knew well. "The billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble, and his unforgettable crazy laugh," he described.

"Thank you, Ace, for a lifetime of great music and memories," he concluded.

A Mentor and a Brother: Blackie Lawless Shares a Private Loss

Blackie Lawless, frontman of W.A.S.P., delivered one of the most soul-baring tributes of all, calling Frehley his brother and career mentor.

"My friend and my Brother is gone," he wrote on Facebook. "My heart is so heavy I can barley [sic] find words. He was one of only a few remaining links left to my childhood."

The pair met as teens, when KISS was still a new up-and-coming band, and Lawless remembered their humble roots. "We used to collect Coke bottles to buy beer," he recalled.

"Our friendship changed my career and my life forever," he said. "I am too selfish and hurt to share any more of the memories I hold so dear of our times together. He was my friend, a life and career mentor .....my big brother. I love you, Pauly."

The Spaceman's Legacy Lives On

From his cosmic persona to his signature smoking guitar solos, Ace Frehley embodied a kind of larger-than-life magic that defined an era.

As "The Spaceman," his theatrics helped shape KISS's outrageous, otherworldly stage shows, inspiring legions of fans and fellow rockers to dream bigger and play louder.

And while the lights have dimmed, the echo of his Les Paul — and the image of that space-suited showman grinning through the haze — will burn on in the hearts of the KISS Army forever.

As we had previously reported, the Grammy-nominated musician's family revealed emotional details about his final moments. Following the heartbreaking announcement, fans flooded social media with tributes, honoring the legendary musician.

One heartbroken individual exclaimed, "Ozzy then Ace! 😢," while another supporter called the news, "devastating 😢," while a third posted in disbelief, "What????? Nooooo😢😢 RIP."

A fourth remarked, "Omg No .. Ace this is so tragic so so sad .. Another Rock n Roll Legend Gone .. Ahh Heaven Has One Hell Of A Band .. R.I.P Sweet Man 💙💙 [sic]." A separate commenter added, "Horrible news. R.I.P. to a legend."

Another fan wrote, "May have left the stage, but the legend lives on🙏🏽," while someone else chimed in, "Legends never die ... ❤️." Another stated, "Rock and Roll Icon! May he rest in peace 🙏🙏."

The news of Frehley's death came via a statement posted to his Instagram page:

"Ace Frehley, GRAMMY® Award nominated and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted rock guitarist; and iconic founding member of KISS, died today at age 74. Frehley passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall at his home."

The statement also named his surviving family, including his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. The accompanying image featured their message.

Additional details about Frehley's condition were later reported by TMZ. The outlet revealed that the rock legend had been hospitalized and placed on a ventilator after suffering complications from the fall.

The incident had caused a brain bleed, and despite efforts to stabilize him, sources close to the family said he remained unresponsive for several days.

By Thursday afternoon, he was still alive but entirely dependent on life support, and his family was bravely facing the agonizing decision of next steps. Online speculation of his death began circulating prematurely, but the family waited until his peaceful passing that evening to confirm the tragic news.

On October 5, just eleven days before his death, Frehley shared what would become his final Instagram post: announcing that he was canceling the rest of his 2025 tour due to lingering medical setbacks.

A week earlier, on September 27, a post on his official Facebook page revealed he had suffered a minor fall in his studio. He had visited the hospital and, following medical advice, cancelled a scheduled appearance at the Antelope Valley Fair in California.

At the time, Frehley assured fans he still planned to resume touring and continue work on his upcoming album, "Origins Vol. 3."

Frehley's legacy is monumental. As KISS's lead guitarist, he helped define an era — dazzling audiences with his larger-than-life "Spaceman" persona and pioneering guitar work. His place in rock history was forever cemented when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.