Ace Frehley’s Cause of Death Revealed: Fans Remember the KISS Legend

Ace Frehley, the trailblazing guitarist who co-founded KISS and helped shape the sound and spectacle of hard rock, has died at the age of 74, his family confirmed Thursday.

Although an official cause of death has not been disclosed, TMZ reported — citing unnamed sources — that Frehley had been placed on life support after suffering a brain bleed due to a fall in his recording studio weeks earlier.

Frehley passed away on October 16 in Morristown, New Jersey, becoming the first of KISS’s original members to die. Known to fans as the “Spaceman,” he was revered not only for his fiery solos and signature sound but also for his role in defining the band’s larger-than-life image. His contribution to rock music spanned generations, influencing countless guitarists and performers.

Canceled Tour and Declining Health

In early October, Frehley had canceled upcoming performances, citing medical concerns. An October 6 announcement on his official Instagram account stated:

“Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates.”

NBC News also referenced a now-deleted Instagram post claiming doctors had advised him against traveling after his fall, forcing him to withdraw from scheduled concerts.

Family and Music World Pay Tribute

Frehley’s family shared a heartfelt message after his passing:

“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough 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!”

Tributes from across the rock world poured in following the news.

Gene Simmons, KISS bassist and frontman, shared his sorrow on X (formerly Twitter):

“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 Center Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”

Canadian rock legends Rush posted a tribute on Instagram, recalling their time touring with KISS in 1974:

“Absolutely stunned and saddened… Alex, Neil and myself spent many a night hanging out together in his hotel room after shows, doing whatever nonsense we could think of, just to make him break out his inimitable and infectious laugh. He was an undeniable character and an authentic rock star. RIP Ace.”

Mike McCready of Pearl Jam credited Frehley with igniting his passion for guitar:

“Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly… Just listen to ‘Alive’ — I used his solo from ‘She’ as a template. Ace jammed on ‘Black Diamond’ with Pearl Jam at Madison Square Garden — a dream come true for me. I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence. RIP it out, Ace. You changed my life. Thank you.”

Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against the Machine, described Frehley as his “first guitar hero”:

“The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n’ roll and rock guitar. His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke from his Les Paul, the rockets from his headstock, his spacey wobble onstage, and that unforgettable laugh — they’ll be missed but never forgotten. Thank you, Ace, for a lifetime of great music and memories.”

Legacy of a Rock Icon

As one of the original architects of KISS’s groundbreaking success in the 1970s, Frehley brought both musical chops and visual flair to the band’s intergalactic persona. From his shimmering solos to the iconic Spaceman makeup, he embodied the larger-than-life spirit of arena rock.

Frehley’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of American rock history — not just through platinum records and sold-out tours, but through the countless musicians he inspired to pick up a guitar and chase the dream.

Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.