Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley Mourn the Loss of Ace Frehley

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are feeling the heartbreak following the unexpected passing of their former KISS bandmate, Ace Frehley.

The rock legends, who co-founded KISS along with Frehley and drummer Peter Criss back in 1973, expressed their sorrow soon after the shocking news broke on Thursday.

“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” they shared in a heartfelt statement. “He was an essential and irreplaceable rock warrior in the most formative and foundational chapter of the band and its history.”

They continued, “He is and will always be a part of the KISS legacy. Our thoughts are with Janet, Monique, and all who loved him, including his fans across the globe.”

Frehley, affectionately known as the Space Ace, passed away on Thursday, October 16, at the age of 74. His family released a touching statement acknowledging the beloved rocker’s death.

“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” they stated. “In his final moments, we had the fortune of surrounding him with loving words, thoughts, and prayers as he left this world.”

“We will cherish our fondest memories of him, his laughter, and celebrate the strength and kindness he showed to others,” his family added. “The magnitude of his death is epic and beyond comprehension.”

“Ace’s memory will live on forever as we reflect on his remarkable life and accomplishments,” they concluded.

Frehley’s long-time manager, John Ostrosky, also shared his thoughts on the beloved guitarist.

“Since 1976, Space Ace has been my Superman. His kindness, compassion, and leadership were always evident until the end,” Ostrosky said. “His influence will remain with me forever.”

Just hours before reports of Frehley’s death, it had come to light that the original KISS guitarist had sustained serious injuries from a fall in the studio last month and had been placed on life support due to a brain hemorrhage.

Frehley had initially raised concerns when he announced he couldn’t make a performance in California scheduled for September 26, stating, “I had a minor fall in the studio. As a result, I had to go to the hospital.”

“He is doing well, but doctors are insisting he refrain from traveling for now,” a concerning message posted on his Instagram read.

Following his hospitalization, Frehley canceled the rest of his 2025 tour due to “ongoing medical issues,” a decision he announced in a post on October 6.

Although Frehley was part of KISS from its inception with Simmons, Stanley, and Criss in 1973, he left the band in 1982 to form his own group, Frehley’s Comet, and pursued a solo career.

The Bronx native rejoined KISS for their reunion tour in 1996 and remained with them until 2002.

In the following years, Frehley reunited with his former bandmates several times, including a surprise appearance with Simmons at Capitol Records in January 2018.

His latest solo album, “10,000 Volts,” is set to release in February 2023, as Simmons and Stanley prepare to say their final goodbyes to KISS in December 2024.