Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are heartbroken over the death of former KISS bandmate Ace Frehley.
“We are devastated by the news of Ace Frehley’s passing. He was an irreplaceable rock warrior who was essential to the most formative and foundational period of the band and its history,” they told Page Six in a statement Thursday.
They added, “He is and will always be a part of the KISS legacy,” and concluded that their thoughts are with Frehley’s estranged wife Janet, daughter Monique, and “all who loved him, including his fans around the world.”
Meanwhile, OG drummer Peter Criss responded to Frehley’s death in a statement posted on his website, revealing that he and his wife were with Frehley “until the end.”
“It is with broken heart and deep sadness that I announce the passing of my brother Ace Frehley. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. My wife and I were with him until the end. We love you my brother. Our love and prayers go out to Janet, Monique, Charlie, Nancy, and all of Ace’s extended family, bandmates, fans, and friends. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time,” he wrote.
“As a founding member of the rock group KISS and throughout his solo career, Ace influenced and touched the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army.”
He said in a statement: “At this time, I would like to pay my respects to Ace’s family and ask that you all grieve privately. To the KISS Army and Ace Rock Soldiers, my heart is with you all… My heart is broken.”
Shortly after his death, Billboard reported that the guitarist would become the third person to receive a posthumous Kennedy Center Honor in December.
In another post shared via X, Simmons remembered Frehley as an “eternal rock soldier” following news of his posthumous honor.
“Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed away. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. We know he loved his fans. He told me so many times. Even more sadly, Ace did not live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Center Honors event in December. Ace was an eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!” he wrote.
Mr. Fraley passed away on October 16th at the age of 74. His family acknowledged his death in a statement commemorating his final moments.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his final moments, we were fortunate to be able to surround him with loving, caring and peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this world,” the statement said.
“We will cherish all of his fondest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strength and kindness that he gave to others. The magnitude of his death is epic and beyond comprehension. Ace’s memory will live on forever as we reflect on all of his amazing accomplishments in life!”
A few weeks before her death, Frehley had fallen in her studio, suffered a brain hemorrhage, and was hospitalized on life support.
The “Cold Gin” rocker admitted in a statement shared on his social media on September 25 that he suffered a “minor fall” in the studio, which resulted in him going to the hospital.
Part of the message read: “He is doing well, but against his wishes, doctors are insisting that he refrain from traveling at this time.” “Ace looks forward to continuing touring and finishing work on his next album, Origins Vol. 4.”
He then revealed in an Instagram post in October that his remaining 2025 tour dates were canceled due to “ongoing medical issues.”
The guitarist was an original member of the famous rock band until he left in 1982. Years later, he formed his own group, Frehley’s Comet, before eventually going solo.
It is worth noting that his relationship with his former KISS bandmate was controversial after his departure. However, he reunited with them in 1996 for a reunion tour that lasted until 2002.
Frehley collaborated with Simmons on several shows over the years. He previously joined Simmons for a Children Matter charity in 2017 and an impromptu “Vault Experience” performance at Capitol Records in Los Angeles in 2018.
However, he declined to participate in KISS’ End of the Road farewell tour. The tour included OG members Simmons (76) and Stanley (73), as well as lead guitar and drummer Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer.
