At the age of 76, Gene Simmons, the legendary frontman of Kiss, has broken his long silence to speak openly about the death of Ace Frehley, the iconic lead guitarist and original “Spaceman” of the band.
Ace’s passing at 74, following complications from a fall in his home studio, shocked fans worldwide and marked the end of an era for one of rock’s most electrifying and theatrical bands.
Gene’s candid and emotional reflections reveal a side of the rock star rarely seen by the public — that of a grieving friend and brother.
Ace Frehley’s death on October 16, 2025, was a profound loss not only to the Kiss family but to the entire rock community.
Known for his silver-painted face, cosmic stage persona, and groundbreaking guitar work, Ace was a foundational member of Kiss, helping to define the band’s unique blend of hard rock and theatrical spectacle.
His passing felt like the closing of a chapter that began over 50 years ago when four young dreamers from New York City painted their faces and vowed to conquer the world with their music.
Gene Simmons, who had long been the stoic “Demon” of Kiss — a businessman, strategist, and rock legend — revealed a rare moment of vulnerability in the wake of Ace’s death.
In a heartfelt statement released alongside Paul Stanley, Gene expressed devastation and gratitude for Ace’s contributions to the band and the legacy they built together.
But it was Gene’s personal message that truly struck a chord: “Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times.”
The relationship between Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley was famously complex — a mixture of friendship, rivalry, and mutual respect forged in the fires of rock and roll chaos.
For decades, they shared the highs of sold-out arenas and the lows of internal band tensions.
Gene acknowledged that despite their clashes, he deeply admired Ace’s instinct, humor, and pure love for the guitar — qualities that made Kiss feel alive in its earliest days.
Ace wasn’t just a guitarist; he was a creative innovator.
He designed the iconic Lightning Bolt Kiss logo, pioneered the smoking guitar trick, and was the first to fire rockets from his instrument during performances.
His solos were not just musical expressions but spectacles that defied gravity and electrified audiences worldwide.
Gene’s reflections highlight the human side of Ace — the shy Bronx kid with mismatched sneakers who walked into a rehearsal room and instantly transformed into the Spaceman.
Their bond was more than music; it was brotherhood, tested by fame, distance, and the pressures of superstardom.
Ace’s journey was marked by both incredible success and personal struggles.
After joining Kiss and helping the band rise to global fame, he faced a near-fatal electrocution onstage in 1976.
Instead of retreating, Ace transformed that terrifying experience into art with the song “Shock Me,” which became a fan favorite and a symbol of his resilience.
In 1978, Ace proved his star power with a solo album that outperformed his bandmates’ efforts, featuring the hit single “New York Groove.
” Yet, the relentless touring, creative differences, and lifestyle pressures eventually led him to leave Kiss in 1982 to find himself and his music on his own terms.
Despite stepping away from the spotlight, Ace never lost his connection to his fans or his passion for music.
His band Frehley’s Comet in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s reintroduced him to audiences, while the 1996 Kiss reunion tour brought back the magic of the original lineup.
However, by 2002, Ace quietly stepped away again, focusing on family and personal reflection.
In his later years, Ace’s outlook shifted toward spirituality and peace.
Raised Lutheran, he often spoke about faith as a guiding light through his darkest times.
In a poignant New Year’s post in 2024, Ace shared his resolution to get closer to God, revealing a side of the rock star seeking serenity after decades of living life in overdrive.
Gene Simmons noted how much that post affected him, showing a man who had finally found something beyond music — peace.
Even in his final months, Ace released “10,000 Volts,” an album that critics and fans praised as a testament to his timeless sound and enduring creative spark.
Ace Frehley’s death from complications due to a fall was sudden yet peaceful, surrounded by family and loved ones.
The Kiss community and fans worldwide mourned the loss of a true rock icon.
Tributes poured in from fellow musicians, friends, and fans, all celebrating Ace’s unique contributions and unforgettable spirit.
Gene’s final words to Ace were both a farewell and a promise: “Wherever you are, Space Ace, save me a spot in your band. I’ll bring the bass. You bring that laugh that could light up a room. Rock and roll heaven just got a lot louder.”
For once, Gene Simmons was not the Demon or the mogul.
He was simply a man mourning the loss of his brother, letting the world see the heart behind the legend.
Ace Frehley’s legacy is not measured in wealth — his fortune was modest — but in the memories, joy, and inspiration he left behind.
His influence on rock music and guitar playing is profound, inspiring generations of musicians who strive to capture the raw, spontaneous energy he embodied.
His image as the silver-painted Spaceman remains immortal, a symbol of rebellion, creativity, and authenticity.
His songs continue to echo on classic rock stations, and his spirit lives on in every guitarist who bends a note just a little too wild.
Gene Simmons summed it up best: Ace was more than a bandmate; he was a spark — unpredictable, maddening, unforgettable.
And though one has gone and the other remains, their music will continue to play on, louder than ever, on a higher stage.