Rush Pay Tribute to KISS Guitar Legend Ace Frehley

Remembering the Early Days

The members of Rush reflected on their early years touring with KISS in the 1970s following the death of guitarist Ace Frehley on October 16. The band shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, calling Frehley an “undeniable character.”

“Absolutely stunned and saddened by the news Ace Frehley has tragically passed away,” Rush wrote. “Back in 1974, as the opening act for KISS, 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.”

They continued, “He was an undeniable character and an authentic rock star. RIP Ace… thanks for welcoming us newbies into the rock and roll world.”

Memories from the Road

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush had previously shared stories about touring with KISS and Frehley in their 2016 documentary Time Stand Still. Lifeson recalled how he used to entertain his bandmates — and especially Frehley — with a bizarre character he created called “The Bag,” where he’d wear a paper bag over his head and stick his hands through his pants.

“Gene was very, very upset with the Bag,” Lifeson said in the documentary. “And that made Ace even happier.”

“Gene was straight,” Lee added. “He wasn’t high like we were. He had a different sense of reality when he came into Ace’s room. We were drinking and smoking and generally being idiots.”

 

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The Passing of a Rock Icon

Frehley passed away in Morristown, New Jersey, at age 74. His representative, Lori Lousararian, said his death was linked to “a recent fall at his home,” though no official cause was released.

“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.”