KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley's Final Instagram Photo Before His Death

One of the artist's final images garnered a flurry of comments from many netizens who noted how happy he appeared. Meanwhile, others used the comment section to express their condolences.

Legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley left the world with a smile — but no one knew it would be his last. Last month, on September 24, 2025, a photo was shared on Frehley's Instagram before his recent passing. Adding another layer of sorrow to the story is the fact that days before he passed away, he canceled the remainder of his concerts for 2025 due to his health.

'Ace Looks So Happy': Fans React to One of the Rocker's Final Instagram Photos

The photo shows a heartwarming backstage moment from Frehley's 10,000 Volts Tour. It features him sitting beside a young fan, who proudly holds up a colorful painting depicting a hand gripping a heart — a nod to the lyrics of his solo track "Rip It Out." "Glenn wanted to share her VIP with Ace [...] and her painting [...] OF COURSE Ace signed it!" reads the caption of the post.

Dressed in a leopard-print shirt and tinted aviators, Frehley flashed a thumbs-up as he posed next to the beaming fan.

"Backstage isn't a dream- it's your next story. VIP Meet & Greet packages are live. Step backstage and meet Ace. BIO has all the INFO 🚀," notes the end of the caption.

But that backstage dream will now remain forever unfulfilled for fans worldwide. The comment section of Frehley's post quickly turned into a digital memorial — a mix of early admiration and, later, heartfelt farewells. One netizen observed, "Ace looks so happy." Meanwhile, another viewer wrote, "I hope Ace is ok!!!"

'RIP': Fans from Around the World Say Goodbye

Following the news of his death, the tone shifted as admirers flooded the post with tributes. "Forever the last fan photo of Ace. RIP!" highlighted one admirer, while another expressed deep gratitude, "Thanks for all Ace, [sic] Rest in Peace Our Spaceman 🫡😢⚡🖤."

A more personal message came from a fan in South America who shared, "Dear Ace, Spaceman❤️ you were my inspiration from the first moment I saw you and heard you play guitar. I did a couple of covers of your guitar solos with my band. I hope you continue to deliver your wonderful music wherever you are now. We will miss you forever. A big hug from Chile.🤟🎸."

Family Confirms Ace Frehley's Peaceful Passing After Medical Crisis

News of Frehley's death was officially confirmed in a statement written by his family and shared on his Instagram account. The post described the legendary guitarist's final moments as peaceful, noting that he died surrounded by family at his home in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall.

At the time of his passing, Frehley was 74 years old. The post also acknowledged his storied legacy as a Grammy Award nominee, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the original architects of KISS's explosive sound and theatrical image.

"Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, nieces Suncere Frehley and Julie Salvner, nephews Sky Frehley and Andrew Salvner, sister-in-law Michelanne and [sic] brother-in-law Ron Salvner. Rest in peace, Spaceman🚀," states the end of the caption accompanying the announcement.

According to a report from TMZ, Frehley's health had been in serious decline in the days leading up to his passing. Sources told the outlet that the artist suffered a brain bleed after experiencing a fall in his studio several weeks earlier.

Despite being placed on a ventilator, his condition failed to improve, and he remained on life support as his family weighed the heartbreaking decision to discontinue treatment.

While conflicting reports surfaced online suggesting he had already passed on October 16, 2025, TMZ noted that Frehley was still alive as of Thursday afternoon — though the situation was grave. Ultimately, his family confirmed that Frehley passed on Thursday evening.

September Facebook Post Warned Fans of a Medical Setback

On September 26, a message posted to Frehley's official Facebook page informed fans of the late guitarist's fall in his studio, which required a hospital visit.

Though the post reassured followers that he was doing fine, it also confirmed that, at the advice of his doctor, Frehley had been instructed to avoid travel. As a result, he was forced to cancel a scheduled appearance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California.

Despite the setback, the statement remained optimistic, encouraging fans to support fellow bands on the lineup and noting that Frehley was still looking forward to continuing his tour and completing work on his next album, "Origins Vol. 3."

Tour Cancellation Was the Final Signal Something Was Gravely Wrong

Just days before his death, an announcement shared on Frehley's Instagram account revealed that he had made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 tour. The post cited ongoing medical issues as the reason for the cancellations, signaling to fans that the rocker's health had taken a more serious turn.

Though no further details were provided at the time, the message marked a somber moment for followers who had hoped to see him perform live again in the near future.

The cancellation of Frehley's remaining 2025 tour dates now reads as a quiet farewell — a final bow from a rock legend whose health struggles were far more serious than fans initially realized.

Peter Criss Breaks Silence with Gut-Wrenching Tribute

As tributes poured in from around the world, one of the most heartfelt came from Peter Criss, Frehley's longtime bandmate and fellow founding member of KISS.

In an emotional message, Criss made his love for Frehley known. He also referred to him as his "brother," sharing that he and his wife were present at Frehley's side during his final moments.

Criss extended his love and condolences to Frehley's family and urged fans to respect their privacy as they grieve. Reflecting on his decades-long friendship with Frehley, Criss acknowledged the guitarist's immense influence on rock music and the lives of countless fans, closing his dedication with a single word that captured the weight of the loss, "Broken."

Rest in Power, Spaceman

At this time, we extend our most heartfelt condolences to Frehley's family, loved ones, friends, KISS bandmates, community, fans, and colleagues, as they mourn this significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their grief.

Rest in peace, Spaceman aka Ace Frehley. You may be gone, but your music will forever blast through the cosmos.