Ace Frehley, Kiss’ original lead guitarist and founding member, dies at 74
By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM, Associated Press
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.
Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, 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 included “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City,” was known for its theatrical stage shows, with fireworks, smoking instruments and fake blood spewing from the mouths of band members in body armor, platform boots, wigs and signature black-and-white face paint.
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)
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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)
Band members took on the personas of comic book-style characters — Frehley was known as “Space Ace” and the “Spaceman.”
The band was extremely popular, especially in the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and licensing its iconic look to sell numerous products.
Frehley and his band mates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
Frehley’s is the first death among the four founding members, a group that also includes singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss.
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