Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have shared a statement on the passing of fellow KISS co-founder Ace Frehley, who died Thursday at the age of 74 after suffering a brain bleed following a recent fall at his studio.
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” stated Stanley and Simmons in a joint statement provided to Consequence. “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.”
Separately, Simmons wrote on X/Twitter, “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!”
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In the years since Frehley left KISS for good in 2002, the relationship between him and his former bandmates was contentious at times, but, as evidenced by their statements, Stanley and Simmons both held the guitarist’s legacy in the band in high regard.
Fellow KISS co-founder Peter Criss also paid tribute to Frehley, writing on X/Twitter, “I’m shocked!!! My friend… I love you!” Numerous tributes have also poured in from other musicians, including Tom Morello, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, and more.
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
I’m shocked!!!
My friend… I love you!#KissArmy #AceFrehley #Kiss#Spaceman😿😿😿😿😿😿 pic.twitter.com/8CfPJKY5aQ
— Peter Criss (@RealPeterCriss) October 16, 2025