News

Ace Frehley, Kiss’ original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, died Thursday. He was 74.

Related Articles


Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey calls Trump World Cup threat ‘political theater’


Ex-Trump national security adviser Bolton charged in probe of mishandling of classified information


Microsoft: Russia, China increasingly using AI to escalate cyberattacks on the US


Energy Department offers $1.6 billion loan guarantee to upgrade transmission lines across Midwest


Former WWE boss Vince McMahon allowed to enter pretrial program in reckless driving case

Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown following a recent fall, according to his agent.

Family members said in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.

Kiss, whose hits include “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City,” was known for its intense stage shows, which included fireworks, smoke and eruptions of fake blood performed by band members in black-and-white painted faces, platform boots and black wigs.

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 13: Ace Frehley attends the Ace Frehley listening party for upcoming new album “Space Invader” at Gibson Guitar Studios on August 13, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Michael N. Todaro/Getty Images for Ace Frehley)
BRONX, NY – APRIL 02: Ace Frehley attends the opening of the Hard Rock Cafe at Yankee Stadium on April 2, 2009 in Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)
FILE – In this Oct. 4, 2009 file photo, former KISS lead guitarist Ace Frehley plays the national anthem before an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Giants in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson, File)
FILE – Ace Frehley, lead guitarist for the hard-rock glam band KISS, performs with a Les Paul guitar during a concert at the Civic Center in Harford, Conn., Feb. 16, 1977. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
FILE – Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley, right, guitarist Ace Frehley, center, and bassist Gene Simmons play during the band’s farewell concert in the Detroit area, Thursday, May 25, 2000, at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Mich.. (AP Photo/Paul Warner, File)
FILE – Paul Stanley, right, and Ace Frehley of the rock band Kiss perform during their sold-out Halloween concert at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Saturday, Oct. 31, 1998. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
FILE – Members of the rock group Kiss, from left, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley, pose for pictures during a news conference Friday, Jan. 29, 1999, at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. (AP Photo/Ron Heflin, File)

1 of 7
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 13: Ace Frehley attends the Ace Frehley listening party for upcoming new album “Space Invader” at Gibson Guitar Studios on August 13, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Michael N. Todaro/Getty Images for Ace Frehley)

Expand

Frehley and his band mates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous post Ace Frehley, Kiss’ original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74
Next post Minnesota Capitol hearing grapples with deteriorating health insurance landscape

More Stories

Recent Post

Top Category

News

Events

Auto

Sport