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KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley Dies at 74, Tributes Pour In

10/20/2025

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Summary

Ace Frehley Honored

Ace Frehley, KISS guitarist, died October 16, 2025, at age 74 from complications of a fall that caused a brain bleed, on life support in Morristown, New Jersey.
He shaped KISS's sound and was a pivotal figure in the band.
Tributes poured in from Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who called him an essential rock soldier.
He was set to receive a Kennedy Center Honor posthumously on December 7.

History

Historical Context

KISS, formed in 1973, transformed rock music with their theatrical performances and iconic personas, including Ace Frehley as the "Spaceman." The band achieved immense success, selling over 75 million records. Frehley's death in 2025, following a significant career, prompted tributes from bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, underscoring his lasting influence on rock culture and leading to a posthumous Kennedy Center Honor.

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Ace Frehley Honored

Ace Frehley, KISS guitarist, died October 16, 2025, at age 74 from complications of a fall that caused a brain bleed, on life support in Morristown, New Jersey.
He shaped KISS's sound and was a pivotal figure in the band.
Tributes poured in from Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who called him an essential rock soldier.
He was set to receive a Kennedy Center Honor posthumously on December 7.

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