Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss have paid tribute to their fellow Kiss co-founder Ace Frehley, following news of the guitarist’s death at age 74.
Frehley passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, after sustaining a brain injury from a fall several weeks ago. The news was confirmed by his family on Thursday, October 16, who said they were “completely devastated and heartbroken.”
In a joint statement, Stanley and Simmons said: “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of Kiss‘s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Simmons took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a personal message, writing: “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. Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”
Original Kiss drummer Peter Criss also released a heartfelt statement, saying he was with Frehley in his final moments. “With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well.
“I love you, my brother. My love and prayers go out to Jeanette, Monique, Charlie and Nancy and all of Ace‘s extended family, bandmates, fans and friends. May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time. “As a founding member of the rock group Kiss and in Ace‘s 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.”
Criss also asked fans to respect the family’s privacy, concluding: “To the Kiss Army and Ace‘s Rock Soldiers, my heart is with you all… Broken… God Bless.”
Frehley had been placed on life support in recent weeks after suffering a brain bleed caused by the fall, according to TMZ. His condition did not improve, and he was forced to cancel his upcoming tour dates.
In a statement released by his family, they said: “In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.
“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace‘s memory will continue to live on forever!”
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