Kiss’ Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready and More Remember Ace Frehley: ‘An Essential and Irreplaceable Rock Soldier’

The rock world is mourning Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley, a founding member and the original lead guitarist for Kiss, who has passed away. According to a family statement released Thursday, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee succumbed to complications from a fall he experienced last month, prompting an outpouring of grief from fellow musicians and admirers worldwide.

In a joint statement, former bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons conveyed their profound sorrow, describing Frehley as an "irreplaceable rock soldier" and affirming his indelible role in the band's legacy. Kiss, the band Frehley co-founded, became a global sensation in the 1970s, renowned for its elaborate stage shows and iconic makeup. Frehley's "Spaceman" persona and his searing guitar solos were integral to crafting the group's unique auditory and visual identity.

Esteemed figures across the music industry promptly shared tributes, underscoring his significant influence. Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready posted via his band's channels that seeing Frehley and Kiss was what initially motivated him to pick up a guitar. In a more intimate gesture, Tool's frontman Maynard James Keenan posted a digitally altered childhood photo on Instagram, depicting himself wearing the Spaceman's signature makeup, with the message, "Godspeed, Ace." These personal reflections reveal how his creative archetype inspired generations of performers. As music historian Dr. Evelyn Marsh noted, "Frehley's 'Spaceman' wasn't just a character; it was a symbol of rock and roll escapism that empowered a legion of fans and aspiring artists to embrace their own uniqueness."

Adding to the sorrow, Frehley was posthumously scheduled to be honored by The Kennedy Center in a ceremony on December 7th, which will be broadcast on CBS. The institution confirmed it will move forward with the tribute. Gene Simmons highlighted the tragic timing on his X account, writing, "Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!" This prestigious, albeit posthumous, recognition solidifies his status as a foundational rock icon. The Kennedy Center Honors, created in 1978, celebrate individuals for their lifetime achievements in the performing arts and their impact on American cultural life, placing Frehley among an elite group of the nation's most revered artistic figures.