Ace Frehley, Kiss lead guitarist and Space Ace, dies at 74 from brain bleed after fall. Explore his Kiss band legacy, solo hits like New York Groove, net worth, wife, and tributes from Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
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Hey there, rock fans. If you’re searching for “Ace Frehley” today, chances are you’ve heard the heartbreaking news. The Spaceman himself, the original lead guitarist of Kiss, passed away on October 16, 2025, at age 74. Just yesterday, the world lost a true legend who lit up stages with smoking guitars and unforgettable riffs. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially after years of rumors about “Ace Frehley death” that turned out to be hoaxes. But this time, it’s real—and it’s got everyone from die-hard Kiss fans to casual listeners reflecting on his incredible life.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into who Ace Frehley was, from his Bronx roots to his glory days in the Kiss band. We’ll cover his solo career, personal ups and downs, that modest Ace Frehley net worth, and even the latest on his health struggles leading to his passing. Stick around for stories that show why he earned the nickname “Space Ace,” plus tributes from bandmates like Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. Whether you’re wondering “is Ace Frehley still alive” (sadly, no) or just want to relive “New York Groove,” this one’s for you. Let’s crank up the volume and remember the man who made rock ‘n’ roll feel like a cosmic adventure.
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Who Was Ace Frehley? The Spaceman Behind the Makeup
Picture this: A kid from the Bronx picks up a guitar at 13, no lessons, just pure grit. That’s Ace Frehley in a nutshell. Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in New York City, he grew up in a musical family but ditched school plays for garage jams. By his teens, he was hooked on Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, teaching himself riffs that would one day define hard rock.
Ace wasn’t just a player—he was a showman. In Kiss, he became “Space Ace,” the alien guitarist with silver stars around his eyes and a Les Paul that shot smoke and sparks. Fans loved his wild energy, but offstage, life was messier: addiction battles, band drama, and solo triumphs. He co-founded Kiss in 1973 with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss, selling over 100 million albums worldwide. That’s no small feat in a band known for kabuki makeup and pyrotechnics.
Why does Ace Frehley matter now? His death has sparked searches like “Ace Frehley cause of death” and “Kiss member dies.” But beyond the headlines, he was the guy who made guitar solos feel like fireworks. As Eddie Trunk once said on his radio show, Ace was “the heart of Kiss’s early magic.” Let’s break it down.
Early Life: From Bronx Streets to Rock Dreams
Ace Frehley’s story starts gritty. Raised in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx, he was the baby of the family with two older sisters. His dad, Carl, was a teacher of German descent, and mom Esther played piano. Music was everywhere—grandpa was a church organist, siblings strummed guitars. But young Paul? He was restless.
At Christmas 1964, Ace got his first electric guitar. No fancy classes; he learned by ear, mimicking Hendrix’s fuzz and Beck’s bends. High school at DeWitt Clinton was rough—he got the nickname “Ace” for charming dates but flunked out briefly to chase gigs. Back in school, he graduated but skipped college for odd jobs: cab driver, mailman, even delivering booze. Imagine the future Space Ace dodging traffic in a yellow taxi!
By the early ’70s, Ace gigged in bands like Molimo and Cathedral. A 1971 demo for RCA almost broke him big, but it fizzled. Then, fate knocked. In December 1972, he spotted a Village Voice ad: “Guitarist wanted. Must be willing to travel and do wild things.” Auditioning for Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Ace wowed them by sketching the iconic Kiss logo on the spot. Boom—Kiss was born.
Fun fact: Ace’s first steady paycheck from Kiss? $50 a week in 1973. He quit cabbing, but money was tight until their debut album dropped in ’74. That hustle built the foundation for everything.
Ace Frehley in Kiss: The Heart of the Demon Army
Joining Kiss in 1973 changed everything. As the lead guitarist, Ace brought melody to Gene’s growl and Paul’s flash. His Space Ace persona? Inspired by sci-fi flicks—he painted his face with stars, wore platform boots, and rigged guitars for pyro effects. Fans ate it up; it was theater on steroids.
Kiss exploded with their self-titled debut in February 1974. Ace co-wrote “Cold Gin” (though Gene sang it) and added riffs to hits like “Strutter.” Live, he shone—check Alive! (1975), where his solos on “She” and “Black Diamond” stole the show. By 1977’s Love Gun, Ace nailed his first lead vocal on “Shock Me,” born from a real near-death zap on stage in Florida.
But glory had cracks. Substance issues ramped up; Ace clashed with the band’s direction. He skipped most of 1981’s The Elder and left in 1982 during the Creatures of the Night tour. Replaced by Vinnie Vincent, Ace still pocketed royalties—smart move, as Lick It Up (1983) sold millions.
The reunion? Magic. In 1996, original lineup toured, grossing $60 million in one year. Psycho Circus (1998) followed, though Ace’s input was light. He bowed out after the 2001 Farewell Tour but popped up for reunions, like Kiss Kruise 2018. No hard feelings? Nah—Ace skipped their 2019-2023 End of the Road Tour, citing unmet invites.
Here’s a quick list of Ace’s top Kiss contributions:
- Signature Riff: “Detroit Rock City” – Pure adrenaline.
- Live Antics: Smoking Les Paul that mesmerized crowds.
- Songwriting: Co-credits on 20+ tracks, including “Parasite.”
- Iconic Look: Space Ace makeup, influencing glam for decades.
External Link: Dive deeper into Kiss history here.
Ace Frehley Solo Career: Beyond the Makeup
Kicked from Kiss? Ace didn’t sulk—he soared solo. In 1978, amid band-mandated side projects, his eponymous album dropped. It went platinum, thanks to “New York Groove”—a cover that hit Top 20 and became his anthem. Russ Ballard’s tune captured NYC’s pulse, just like Ace’s roots.
Post-1982 exit, Ace formed Frehley’s Comet in 1984. Debut Frehley’s Comet (1987) cracked Billboard’s Top 50, with “Into the Night” rocking radio. He toured with Alice Cooper, but label woes stalled momentum. Second Sighting (1988) and Trouble Walkin’ (1989) followed, featuring guests like Skid Row’s Sebastian Bach.
The ’90s were quiet—Ace battled demons—but he roared back in 2009 with Anomaly, self-produced and raw. Then came a streak: Space Invader (2014), Origins Vol. 1 (2016) with Paul Stanley on “Fire and Water,” Spaceman (2018), Origins Vol. 2 (2020), and 10,000 Volts (2024), which debuted at No. 72 on Billboard. His final bow? Origins Vol. 3 in 2025, covering Deep Purple and Beatles classics.
Ace’s solo vibe? Edgy, personal—like “Rock Soldiers,” about a 1982 DWI chase. He sold over 2 million solo units, proving he was more than “that Kiss guy.”
Top Ace Frehley Solo Albums: A Quick Breakdown
| Album | Release Year | Peak Chart Position | Standout Track | Sales Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Frehley | 1978 | #2 Billboard 200 | New York Groove | Platinum (1M+) |
| Frehley’s Comet | 1987 | #43 Billboard 200 | Into the Night | 500K+ |
| Anomaly | 2009 | #27 Billboard 200 | Outer Space | Critically acclaimed |
| 10,000 Volts | 2024 | #72 Billboard 200 | 10,000 Volts | 13K first week |
These records show Ace’s evolution—from comet-chasing anthems to introspective jams.
Personal Life: Love, Family, and the Real Ace
Behind the greasepaint, Ace was a family man at heart. He married Jeanette Trerotola, an Italian-American actress, on May 1, 1976, at Kiss’s peak. Their daughter, Monique Frehley, arrived July 6, 1980—she’s kept a low profile but shared Ace’s artistic side. Grandkids? Two, bringing joy amid chaos.
The marriage hit turbulence. They separated in 1983 amid Ace’s addictions, but never divorced—Jeanette battled health issues, and Ace stayed loyal in his way. In 2018, he got engaged to Lorraine Cross, but they split in June 2024 after nearly six years. “It just wasn’t working,” Ace said simply.
Ace’s life wasn’t all spotlights. He battled alcohol and drugs, entering rehab multiple times. In his 2011 memoir No Regrets, he spilled on the toll: “Rock saved me, but it almost killed me.” Relatable? Think of other stars like Peter Criss, Kiss’s drummer, who faced similar demons.
Read Ace’s memoir excerpt here.
Ace Frehley Net Worth: Modest Millions for a Rock Icon
Rock stars and riches—it’s a mixed bag. At his passing, Ace Frehley net worth clocked in at about $1 million. Not Gene Simmons’ $400M empire, but solid for a guy who prioritized music over merch.
How’d he get there? Kiss royalties were huge—over $100M band-wide from tours alone. Solo sales added $2M+, plus gigs and his 2011 book hitting NYT Bestsellers. But divorces, rehabs, and label fights nibbled away. In 2022, Ace joked to Eddie Trunk, “I’m rich in stories, broke in bank.” True words.
Compare to bandmates:
| Kiss Member | Est. Net Worth (2025) | Main Income Source | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Frehley | $1M | Royalties & Solo | Prioritized art over assets |
| Gene Simmons | $400M | Tours & Merch | “Kiss Army” empire builder |
| Paul Stanley | $150M | Art & Real Estate | Painted his way to wealth |
| Peter Criss | $1M | Drums & Memoirs | Battled health like Ace |
Ace lived simply in Morristown, NJ, focusing on tunes over treasures. Lesson? Legacy beats ledgers.
Ace Frehley Health: The Fall That Changed Everything
Ace Frehley health rumors swirled for years—”Ace Frehley fall,” “Kiss Ace Frehley sick.” But 2025 brought real scares. On September 25, he tumbled in his home studio, hitting his head hard. Rushed to hospital, docs found a brain bleed. He went on life support, ventilator humming as family weighed options.
Weeks earlier, on October 7, Ace canceled his 2025 tour: “Ongoing medical issues,” his team said vaguely. Fans hoped for recovery, but complications won. “Ace Frehley cause of death”? Complications from the brain bleed, per family.
It’s a stark reminder: Rock gods are human. Peter Criss echoed this in tributes, saying Ace “fought like hell.”
Tributes Pour In: Kiss Family and Rock World React
News of “Ace Frehley died” hit like a power chord. Paul Stanley posted on X: “Ace was the spark that lit our fire. Rest easy, brother.” Gene Simmons added: “Devastated. He was essential to Kiss’s soul.” Peter Criss, the original Catman, shared: “We shared the stage and the struggles. Love you, Ace.”
Beyond Kiss: Tom Morello called him “guitar wizardry incarnate.” Rush’s Geddy Lee tweeted a photo from ’80s jams: “Ace’s riffs inspired us all.” Bret Michaels: “RIP to the Spaceman—fly high.” Even Eddie Trunk hosted a SiriusXM special, replaying “New York Groove” on loop.
These words paint Ace as more than makeup: A brother, mentor, maverick.
FAQ: Answering Your Burning Questions on Ace Frehley
Got “Ace Frehley dead” on your mind? We’ve got you.
Is Ace Frehley Still Alive?
No, sadly. Ace Frehley passed away October 16, 2025, at 74. Searches for “did Ace Frehley pass away today” spiked yesterday.
What Was Ace Frehley Cause of Death?
Brain bleed complications from a September 2025 fall in his studio. He was on life support before the family made the tough call.
Who Was Ace Frehley Wife?
Jeanette Trerotola, married 1976, estranged but never divorced. They share daughter Monique.
Ace Frehley Net Worth at Death?
Around $1 million, from Kiss royalties and solo sales.
Did Ace Frehley from Kiss Die Today?
Yes, October 16, 2025—prompting “Kiss member died” trends. Not a hoax like past “Ace Frehley death” scares.
What’s the Latest Ace Frehley News?
Tributes flooding in, with Kiss planning a memorial. His final album, Origins Vol. 3, drops soon posthumously.
Wrapping Up: Ace Frehley’s Eternal Groove
Ace Frehley wasn’t just a Kiss guitarist—he was the riff that got stuck in your head, the spark in Space Ace’s eyes. From Bronx basements to sold-out arenas, he lived loud, loved hard, and rocked harder. His battles with addiction and health remind us rock ‘n’ roll’s price, but hits like “New York Groove” prove the payoff. At $1M net worth, he leaves wealth in memories, not millions. And as Paul Stanley said, Ace lit the fire.
In a world of “who died today,” Ace Frehley stands eternal. Crank up Ace Frehley, toast the Spaceman, and share your fave memory below—what’s your go-to Kiss track? Comment, share this with fellow fans, or subscribe for more rock tributes. Rock on.
