A significant response to the recent passing of Ace Frehley, a founding member of KISS, who died on Thursday at the age of 74.
paul stanley and gene simmons
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Ace Frehley. He was a vital and irreplaceable force during the band’s most formative years, and he will forever be part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with his family, particularly Janet and Monique, as well as all those who cherished him, including fans worldwide,” the founding members of KISS expressed in a statement.
pearl jam
“I learned of Ace Frehley’s passing from Rick Friel, a bandmate from Shadow. He first told me about Ace on a bus back in 1977, while showing off his KISS lunchbox… It had a huge impact on me. In 1978, I picked up a guitar and joined Rick’s band, Warrior, which eventually became Shadow. We even covered ‘C’mon and Love Me.’ My friends and I spent endless hours discussing KISS and collecting their memorabilia. Ace was not just my hero, but also a friend. I studied his solos for years… I probably wouldn’t have started playing if it weren’t for Ace and KISS. Rest in peace, Ace; you truly transformed my life.” — Mike McCready, founding member and lead guitarist of X.
bret michaels
“Ace, my brother, I can’t express my gratitude enough for the incredible music over the years, the many festivals we’ve shared, and your lead guitar on ‘Nothing But a Good Time.’ With love from my family and me – rest in peace!” – Former lead vocalist of Poison.
maynard james keenan
“Godspeed, Ace,” Tool’s frontman shared on Instagram.
Nile Rodgers
“Ace RIP was the first person I met while we were forming CHIC! KISS was performing at Le Jardin. Without his makeup, nobody would have recognized him sitting at my table moments before the crowd went wild for him. That night was a significant learning experience for me. Truly historic #rock,” said the musician and co-founder of the disco band Chic on X.
tom morello
“My first guitar hero, Ace Frehley, has left us. The legendary Space Ace inspired countless rock fans and guitarists. His unforgettable riffs and solos, his Les Paul… I’ll dearly miss the smoke clouds, the rockets blasting from his headstock, those cool, outer-space wobbles on stage, and the unforgettable laughs, but I’ll always carry those memories. Thank you, Ace, for a lifetime of amazing music.” — shared on Instagram.
kennedy center
“The Kennedy Center is deeply saddened by the news of Ace Frehley’s passing, one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees. We will celebrate this ‘rock soldier,’ his achievements, and his legacy at a ceremony in December.” — posted on X.
