KISS Members Honor Ace Frehley at Private Memorial Service

The surviving founding members of the rock band KISS—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss—reunited to honor their late bandmate Ace Frehley during an intimate memorial service held on October 22, 2025, in the Bronx, New York. Frehley, the original guitarist of KISS, passed away on October 16 at the age of 74, following complications from a fall that resulted in a brain bleed. The memorial was attended by a small group of family and close friends, including radio personality Eddie Trunk, who shared reflections on the emotional event via social media.

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Ace Frehley co-founded KISS in 1973 alongside Simmons, Stanley, and Criss. The band gained fame with their 1975 live album *Alive!*, which showcased Frehley's distinctive guitar work and contributed to the band's cult following. Despite leaving the group in 1982 due to creative differences, Frehley rejoined KISS for a successful reunion tour from 1996 to 2002. His last performance with the band was at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The IndependentEx-Kiss Bandmates Honor Ace Frehley at Memorial CeremonyKiss Members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley Mourn Late GuitaristStaten Island AdvanceDeath of Ace Frehley under investigationABC to Honor Late KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley With Special Tribute

Following Frehley's death, KISS members Simmons and Stanley released a joint statement expressing their devastation. They described Frehley as "an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier" who played a crucial role in the band's history. They emphasized that he would always be a part of KISS's legacy, extending their thoughts to his family and fans worldwide.

Kiss Members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley Mourn Late GuitaristEx-Kiss Bandmates Honor Ace Frehley at Memorial CeremonyThe IndependentDeath of Ace Frehley under investigationABC to Honor Late KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley With Special TributeStaten Island Advance

Frehley's family also released a heartfelt statement, expressing their sorrow and reflecting on the love and peace surrounding him in his final moments. They celebrated his achievements and the impact he had on others, stating, "The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension."

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Eddie Trunk announced plans for a public tribute show to celebrate Frehley's life and legacy, a sentiment echoed by many in the music community. He noted that Frehley's family supported the idea, emphasizing its importance for fans and the countless guitarists influenced by Frehley’s work. Trunk stated, "That’s something I feel, and many others feel, is deserved and should happen."

Ex-Kiss Bandmates Honor Ace Frehley at Memorial Ceremony

While Frehley's family attributed his death to complications from a fall, the exact cause remains under investigation by the Morris County medical examiner's office, which is conducting toxicology screenings and external examinations. The results are expected in the coming weeks.

Death of Ace Frehley under investigation

• “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. 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.” — Gene Simmons, KISS Co-founder

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• “In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.” — Frehley’s Family Statement

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• “I think it’s important for Ace’s legacy, his fans, and the countless guitar players he influenced.” — Eddie Trunk, SiriusXM Host

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The memorial service marked a poignant moment for KISS and its fans, as the band members reflected on Frehley's significant contributions to rock music and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Kiss Members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley Mourn Late Guitarist