Kiss Guitarist Ace Frehley Dies at 73 After Brain Injury

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for Kiss and one of the most influential figures in rock and roll, has died at the age of 73. His family confirmed his death Thursday, weeks after he suffered a brain injury from a fall in his studio.

In late September, an announcement on his Facebook page described the incident as a “minor fall,” noting that Frehley was “fine” but had to cancel a scheduled performance at the Antelope Valley Fair. However, on October 6, a follow-up post stated that he was canceling the remainder of his 2025 shows due to “ongoing medical issues.”

Born in 1951 and raised in the Bronx, Frehley discovered his passion for guitar as a teenager, drawing inspiration from bands like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. He joined Kiss in 1972, adopting the “Spaceman” persona that became a defining part of the band’s larger-than-life image.

Frehley’s signature sound, marked by his three-pickup Gibson Les Paul and electrifying solos, helped shape the future of hard rock and heavy metal. His influence can still be heard in generations of guitarists who followed.

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