Remembering Ace Frehley: The KISS Founding Guitarist Who Helped Change Rock History Forever
He died Oct. 16 after complications from a studio fall. His legacy in KISS lives on
The world is mourning the loss of Ace Frehley, founding member of the iconic rock band KISS, as the lead guitarist passed away at the age of 74. But as we miss the legendary musician, we are also remembering his fascinating life and his contribution to creating one of the most memorable rock bands of all time.
The rock ‘n roll scene was touched in 1973 with the formation of KISS and it hasn’t been the same since, thanks to Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss. As you remember the beginnings of KISS and reminisce about your favorite songs, learn how the group came together and what role Frehley played in it.
Frehley joined KISS through an ad
Frehley was the last of the four musicians to join the band and he found his way there through an advertisement that was posted in The Village Voice news publication. Although Simmons, Stanley and Criss were confused by Frehley’s appearance—he wore one red sneaker and one orange to the audition—they were blown away by his guitar skills.
Once he began playing, the other band members knew they’d found the right guy for the job. Stanley shared his thoughts on the audition years later, explaining, “When we all plugged in and played together, there was just magic.”
The group began wearing outrageous makeup and costumes to distinguish themselves from other rock bands in the New York music scene in 1973. By August of that year, they scored their first record deal.
Frehley stayed with KISS from 1973 until 1982, for the group’s first nine studio albums. When he left, the guitarist pursued a solo career before rejoining the band in 1996 for its reunion tour, where he stayed until 2002.
Former KISS band members remember Frehley
Although a few members came and went throughout the years, the core four KISS band members were a tight-knit group. Frehley’s former band members shared their love for the lead guitarist and the devastation they feel over his passing.
“I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” Stanley and Simmons shared in a joint statement. “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. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Peter Criss, the original drummer of the group, shared his own statement on his personal website following the announcement of Frehley’s death.
“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,” Criss wrote. “His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army…To the KISS Army and Ace’s Rock Soldiers, my heart is with you all… Broken…”
Another member of KISS, Bruce Kulick, shared a post honoring Frehley. Kulick had originally auditioned for the band in 1972 before they formed. Although he wasn’t an original member, Kulick did join the group in 1984, after Frehley left the group, until 1996.
“The news of Ace’s passing is devastating to the world of rock,” Kulick wrote. “It has deeply affected me as well. 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. Not only was he loved by all, he influenced millions of guitarists around the world. RIP”
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