“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.“
— Ace Frehley‘s Family

NEW YORK CITY, New York — It is with a profound sadness that we report that Ace Frehley has died.

As of this posting, multiple sources have now confirmed with Metal Sludge that the KISS classic era guitarist is gone.

Rolling Stone has officially announced that Ace Frehley is dead at 74.

“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” Frehley’s family said in a statement. “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!” – source Rolling Stone

TMZ has also made the same announcement.

The TMZ website shared an article earlier today (October 16th 2025) that we here at Metal Sludge covered as well, that noted Frehley was on life-support with a brain bleed.

It was also noted that, “his family is considering turning off support … perhaps as soon as Thursday evening“, which now appears to have been the case.

Official statements from KISS, the Ace Frehley camp and related friends, family and industry musicians world-wide are starting to pour onto social media with tributes to the legendary guitarist.

It appears, Frehley‘s health took a turn for the worse, after he had succumbed to injuries he had sustained in a fall the weekend of October 4th and 5th.

Frehley had recently suffered a fall at his studio, which was covered by Metal Sludge in our article: “CALLING DR. LOVE … Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley taken to area Hospital after suffering Fall” back on September 25th.

Roughly 2 weeks later, Frehley‘s social media made an announcement that he was canceling his remaining 2025 tour dates, and we shared that update as well with our article; “SHOCK ME … Ace Frehley Cancels his remaining 2025 Tour Dates due to ‘Ongoing Medical Issues’” back on October 6th.

The guitarist was rumored to be in a coma over the last week and the news had started to circulate in the industry in recent days that Frehley was indeed on life-support in an area hospital near his home.

Now today, October 16th, the rumors seemed to have become more prevalent that Frehley was in very bad condition, and the end was near.

Frehley was born Paul Daniel Frehley and best known as a founding member of the rock band KISS.

The rock n’ roll guitarist was actually nicknamed ‘Ace‘ by friends in high-school.

KISS first burst onto the scene in the early/mid 1970’s, and Frehley with his costume and unique image became known as The Spaceman or Space Ace when in make-up.

Frehley, along with band-mates Paul Stanley (vocals, guitars), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass) and Peter Criss (drums) were a force world-wide within a few short years of forming and changed the way fans looked at, followed and celebrated a band beyond just hearing their music.

Frehley played in KISS from its inception in 1973, until his departure in 1982.

The Bronx, New York City native did come back and perform with KISS on several occasions over the years; first off during their much anticipated reunion tours from 1996-2002, and he also appeared as a guest in 1995 and 2018.

Frehley contributed to several of the band’s discography appearing on; All KISS releases from Kiss (1974) to Music from “The Elder” (1981) or the band’s first 9 albums. He also contributed on Kiss Unplugged (1995) You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best!! (1996) Psycho Circus (1998) and Alive! The Millennium Concert (2000).

Frehley also released 9 solo albums as Ace Frehley which includes his debut solo release “Ace Frehley” (1978) while the core-four of KISS were still together, and his solo record, was the most successful of the 4 releases with his being catapulted by the hit song “New York Groove.”

Frehley also released 2 albums as Frehley’s Comets, 2 Live Albums, 2 Compilation Albums, along with being credited on 8 different KISS live releases. The guitarist also has a Filmography on his Wikipedia which notes he’s been part of 14 films, all related to KISS.

In 2014, Frehley was officially admitted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame as a member of KISS.

Frehley fathered 1 child, a daughter named Monique Frehley who was born in 1980.

Ace Frehley was 74.

Metal Sludge sends our condolences to Frehley‘s family, friends, band-mates and KISS fans worldwide.

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