The social networks of both the group and the individual Ace Frehley have announced the death due to a stroke of the founding member and original guitarist of the legendary Kiss.
Ace Frehley was, without a doubt, one of the greatest and most influential hard rock guitarists of the seventies, although his shadow extended during different stages and also in a career leading his own band. But his role in the legendary glam metal band Kiss as “Spaceman” made him one of the great icons of American rock and an influence on several generations of later guitarists.
Unfortunately, his relationship with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons due to his excesses with alcohol deteriorated on several occasions, first causing his dismissal from the band and some episodes of subsequent comings and goings, always with the same result, that Frehley was not in Kiss. Aside from all this, some of his guitar solos have gone down in history as indispensable pieces of an unrepeatable time in the world of glam-tinged American rock’n’roll. Frehley was in Kiss until 1982 and later in the period between 1996 and 2002, to later be permanently replaced by Tommy Thayer (ex Black’n Blue)
The cause of his death was a stroke caused by an everyday accident while he was in his own recording studio and which led him to be admitted to the hospital last month. Condolences have come from many bands and musicians, including Kiss themselves. At first, only his concerts for this year were cancelled, but complications led to his hospitalization and the fatal outcome that we are making known today.
The family confirmed the news with a statement that read: “We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate to surround him with words, thoughts, prayers and love, affection and peace as he left this world,” among other things. For their part, Kiss have noted: “We cherish his fondest memories, his laughter, and celebrate the strength and kindness he gave us. The magnitude of his passing is of epic and incomprehensible proportions. As we reflect on all of his incredible accomplishments, it is clear to us that Ace’s memory will live on forever. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative founding chapters of the band and its history. Ace is and always will be a fundamental part of the Kiss legacy. “Our thoughts right now are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including all the fans around the world.”
See this post on Instagram
