KISS legend gone: What happened in Ace Frehley’s final moments after his family’s difficult decision?
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The rock world is mourning the loss of one of its most electric legends this week.
The beloved KISS guitarist—known to fans as the “Spaceman”—has died at 74, leaving behind decades of riffs, pyrotechnics, and unforgettable performances.
For generations, his face-painted persona and galactic stage presence became the heartbeat of classic rock.
His passing marks the end of an era that defined rebellion, creativity, and pure rock and roll energy.
According to reports, Ace collapsed in his home studio just a few weeks ago, suffering a severe fall that resulted in a traumatic brain bleed.
The incident left him unconscious and in critical condition, and he was quickly hospitalized and placed on a ventilator.
Despite the best efforts of his medical team, Ace’s condition showed little improvement. After days of uncertainty and hope, his family faced the agonizing decision to withdraw life support, allowing him to pass peacefully.
In a statement, they shared their heartbreak but also their gratitude for being able to surround him with love and comfort in his final moments.
“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,” the family said.
“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!”
His space-age persona, complete with silver makeup and platform boots, made him a fan favorite and a true original in a band full of larger-than-life personalities.
After leaving KISS in 1982, Ace didn’t slow down. He launched his own project, Frehley’s Comet, and continued to tour and record, always pushing the boundaries of his craft.
In 1996, he reunited with KISS for their blockbuster reunion tour, thrilling old fans and winning new ones.
Even after his second departure from the band in 2002, Ace remained a fixture on the rock scene, releasing solo albums and performing for adoring crowds well into his seventies.
His official Instagram account posted that he was fine, though doctors had advised him not to travel. But as the weeks went on, it became clear that his health was more fragile than anyone realized.
On October 6, Ace’s team announced the cancellation of all remaining 2025 tour dates, citing “ongoing medical issues.”
The news sent shockwaves through the rock community, with fans and fellow musicians alike expressing concern and support.
Rumors began to swirl after cryptic social media posts from music journalist Mitch Lafon and Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan, both of whom seemed to bid farewell to the beloved guitarist. The speculation only intensified as Ace’s absence from the stage became more pronounced.
Also read: KISS legend Gene Simmons’ Malibu crash offers a surprising lesson on aging safely
Simmons, 76, reportedly fainted behind the wheel and crashed into a parked car. Thankfully, he was treated and released, later joking about his driving skills and reassuring fans that he was completely fine.
The close timing of these events is a sobering reminder of the passage of time, even for our rock heroes.
The members of KISS, once the wildest band in the world, are now navigating the same health concerns and life changes.
But beyond the stage makeup and pyrotechnics, Ace was known for his humor, kindness, and generosity—a true original who never lost his sense of wonder.
His family’s statement captured this spirit beautifully: “We honor his legacy, his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.”
Read next:
How did Ace Frehley’s music shape your life? Do you have a favorite KISS memory or a song that brings back special moments?
The beloved KISS guitarist—known to fans as the “Spaceman”—has died at 74, leaving behind decades of riffs, pyrotechnics, and unforgettable performances.
For generations, his face-painted persona and galactic stage presence became the heartbeat of classic rock.
His passing marks the end of an era that defined rebellion, creativity, and pure rock and roll energy.
A Sudden Crisis and a Family’s Heartbreaking Choice
Frehley’s final days were marked by a sudden and devastating medical emergency.According to reports, Ace collapsed in his home studio just a few weeks ago, suffering a severe fall that resulted in a traumatic brain bleed.
The incident left him unconscious and in critical condition, and he was quickly hospitalized and placed on a ventilator.
Despite the best efforts of his medical team, Ace’s condition showed little improvement. After days of uncertainty and hope, his family faced the agonizing decision to withdraw life support, allowing him to pass peacefully.
In a statement, they shared their heartbreak but also their gratitude for being able to surround him with love and comfort in his final moments.
“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,” the family said.
“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!”
A Life Lived Loud: Ace’s Musical Legacy
As the original lead guitarist for KISS, he was the mastermind behind some of the band’s most iconic tracks—think Detroit Rock City, I Was Made for Lovin’ You, and the eternal party anthem Rock and Roll All Nite.His space-age persona, complete with silver makeup and platform boots, made him a fan favorite and a true original in a band full of larger-than-life personalities.
After leaving KISS in 1982, Ace didn’t slow down. He launched his own project, Frehley’s Comet, and continued to tour and record, always pushing the boundaries of his craft.
In 1996, he reunited with KISS for their blockbuster reunion tour, thrilling old fans and winning new ones.
Even after his second departure from the band in 2002, Ace remained a fixture on the rock scene, releasing solo albums and performing for adoring crowds well into his seventies.
A Sudden Decline and the Outpouring of Support
Just last month, Ace reassured fans after a minor fall in his studio landed him in the hospital.His official Instagram account posted that he was fine, though doctors had advised him not to travel. But as the weeks went on, it became clear that his health was more fragile than anyone realized.
On October 6, Ace’s team announced the cancellation of all remaining 2025 tour dates, citing “ongoing medical issues.”
The news sent shockwaves through the rock community, with fans and fellow musicians alike expressing concern and support.
Rumors began to swirl after cryptic social media posts from music journalist Mitch Lafon and Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan, both of whom seemed to bid farewell to the beloved guitarist. The speculation only intensified as Ace’s absence from the stage became more pronounced.
Also read: KISS legend Gene Simmons’ Malibu crash offers a surprising lesson on aging safely
The KISS Family: Triumphs and Trials
Ace’s passing comes at a time when the KISS family has faced its own share of challenges. Just days before the news broke, Gene Simmons—KISS’s iconic bassist and co-founder—was hospitalized after a car accident in Malibu.Simmons, 76, reportedly fainted behind the wheel and crashed into a parked car. Thankfully, he was treated and released, later joking about his driving skills and reassuring fans that he was completely fine.
The close timing of these events is a sobering reminder of the passage of time, even for our rock heroes.
The members of KISS, once the wildest band in the world, are now navigating the same health concerns and life changes.
Remembering the Spaceman: Ace’s Enduring Influence
Ace Frehley’s influence on music and pop culture is impossible to overstate. His innovative guitar work inspired countless musicians, and his larger-than-life persona helped make KISS one of the most successful and enduring acts in rock history.But beyond the stage makeup and pyrotechnics, Ace was known for his humor, kindness, and generosity—a true original who never lost his sense of wonder.
His family’s statement captured this spirit beautifully: “We honor his legacy, his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.”
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