Ace Frehley, Kiss lead guitarist and band's cofounder, dies aged 74

"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. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace's memory will continue to live on forever!"

"The band quickly became famous for their white and black makeup and leather costumes, having been inspired by the New York Dolls and Alice Cooper. Each member had a different persona, with Frehley being the Spaceman (or Space Ace), Simmons the Demon, Stanley the Starchild and Criss the Catman. Their band members' faces were not revealed for more than a decade; by this time, Frehley had left Kiss, having moved onto a solo career in 1982."

"Frehley reportedly fell in his recording studio and hit his head in late September. He was hospitalised for several weeks and put on life support after suffering a brain bleed. Frehley's injuries forced him to cancel a concert date in California. Days later, his camp posted on social media that he was canceling the rest of his 2025 tour, citing some ongoing health issues."

Ace Frehley died aged 74 after a fall that caused a brain bleed and extended hospitalization. His family said they surrounded him with loving words, prayers and intentions in his last moments and celebrated his laughter, strengths and kindness. Frehley fell in his recording studio in late September, was hospitalised for weeks and put on life support, forcing cancellation of a California concert and later the rest of his 2025 tour. Born Paul Daniel Frehley in 1951, he co-founded Kiss in 1973 with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss. The band became famous for makeup, leather costumes and distinct personas, with Frehley as the Spaceman. He left for a solo career in 1982 and rejoined the original members in 1996.

Read at www.theguardian.com