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Ace Frehley

Ace Frehley (born Paul Daniel Frehley; April 27, 1951 – October 16, 2025) was an American rock musician best known as the original lead guitarist and a founding member of Kiss.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ace Frehley (born Paul Daniel Frehley; April 27, 1951 – October 16, 2025) was an American rock musician best known as the original lead guitarist and a founding member of Kiss. He created the Spaceman persona and later led the band Frehley’s Comet before continuing a solo career.

Early life

Paul Daniel Frehley was born in The Bronx, New York City, in 1951. He became known professionally as Ace Frehley.

Kiss

Frehley was one of the original members of Kiss when the band formed in 1973. He was the band’s lead guitarist and contributed occasional vocals.

Solo work and Frehley’s Comet

After leaving Kiss in 1982, Frehley pursued solo work and formed Frehley’s Comet. His later career included solo releases and reunions with Kiss.

Persona and legacy

Frehley is closely associated with the Spaceman stage character, one of Kiss’s best-known visual identities. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Kiss in 2014.

Death

Frehley died in Morristown, New Jersey, on October 16, 2025. Sources report his death followed complications from a fall.

Key facts

  • He was a founding member of Kiss and served as its original lead guitarist.
  • He played with Kiss from 1973 to 1982, rejoined in 1996, and left again in 2002.
  • He invented the stage persona known as the Spaceman, also called Space Ace.
  • He later formed Frehley’s Comet, a band that carried his name.
  • He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Kiss in 2014.
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Canadian context

Ace Frehley was a major influence on hard rock and heavy metal audiences in Canada through Kiss’s long-standing popularity and touring presence, and he remains part of the broader North American rock canon.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ace Frehley?
He was an American rock musician best known as the original lead guitarist and a founding member of Kiss.
What was Ace Frehley’s real name?
His birth name was Paul Daniel Frehley.
What is he known for in Kiss?
He was the band’s original lead guitarist and created the Spaceman persona.
Did Ace Frehley leave Kiss?
Yes. He left in 1982, rejoined in 1996, and left again in 2002.
Was Ace Frehley in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Yes. He was inducted with Kiss in 2014.
When did Ace Frehley die?
He died on October 16, 2025, at age 74.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ace_Frehley
    Supports: Birth name, birth and death dates, Kiss membership, Spaceman persona, career timeline
  2. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ace_Frehley
    Supports: Kiss co-founder, Frehley’s Comet, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, death date
  3. Ace Frehley official site — https://www.acefrehley.com/bio
    Supports: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction and career overview
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0293719/bio/
    Supports: Birth place and death details
  5. TMZ — https://www.tmz.com/2025/10/16/kiss-guitarist-ace-frehley/
    Supports: Death date, age, and reported cause of death
  6. Last.fm — https://www.last.fm/music/Ace+Frehley/+wiki
    Supports: Kiss tenure, solo career, influence, later albums