Ace Frehley, Original Lead Guitarist for Kiss, Dies at 74

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Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for the iconic hard rock band Kiss, has passed away at the age of 74, his family announced. Frehley was an integral part of the band's early success, contributing to numerous hit songs and albums. His distinctive appearance, complete with silver stars on his face and elaborate guitar playing, earned him the nickname "The Spaceman." Along with Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons, Frehley will be honored by the Kennedy Center in December for his contributions to the music industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for Kiss, died at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey.
  • Frehley was an essential member of the band, contributing to eight songs that made it into the Top 40, including "Love Gun," "Christine Sixteen," and "I Was Made for Loving You."
  • As the "Spaceman," Frehley was known for his theatrical live performances, elaborate guitar playing, and distinctive silver stars on his face.
  • Kiss released 11 records that went gold or platinum in the US during Frehley's tenure with the band, selling over 100 million records worldwide.
  • The band's image among critics improved over time, thanks in part to their hit song "Rock and Roll All Nite" and their enduring influence on artists like Metallica and Lady Gaga.
  • Frehley had the most success as a solo artist among the four founding members of Kiss, thanks in part to his hit song "New York Groove," which has become a staple at Citi Field after Mets wins.
  • Frehley's early life and career, including his audition for Kiss at age 21 and his first electric guitar given by his parents at age 13, sparked his passion for music and led him to become an integral part of rock history.

Statistics:

  • 74: the age at which Ace Frehley passed away.
  • 8: the number of songs that made it into the Top 40 during Frehley's time with Kiss.
  • 11: the number of records released by Kiss that went gold or platinum in the US during Frehley's tenure.
  • 100 million: the number of records sold worldwide by Kiss during Frehley's time with the band.
  • 2: the number of times Kiss was revived as a band, with Frehley rejoining in 1996.
  • 2024: the year in which Frehley claimed, in an interview, to have had the most success as a solo artist among the four founding members of Kiss.

Sources:

  • Al Bawaba
  • AFP
  • Getty Images via AFP
  • NBC/Getty Images