Ace Frehley, the legendary original lead guitarist of KISS, has tragically passed away at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey, following a devastating fall and subsequent health complications. His longtime friend and SiriusXM host, Eddie Trunk, revealed in an emotional Instagram video that Frehley had been in a dire state for the past two weeks.
Frehley’s health had been deteriorating since he suffered a severe injury from a fall down the stairs at his home, which resulted in a brain bleed and left him unconscious and on a ventilator. Just weeks prior, Frehley had postponed a show due to what was described as a minor fall in his studio, but his condition rapidly worsened after a second, more serious fall. On October 6, all remaining tour dates for 2025 were canceled on the advice of his medical team, marking a heartbreaking turn for the musician who had been a pivotal force in 1970s hard rock.
Trunk expressed his sorrow, stating, “I had hoped, like everybody else, that there would be a recovery.” He shared that after the first fall, Frehley seemed to be on the mend and was only planning to miss a weekend of shows. The second fall, however, proved catastrophic. “That’s where we are today with him no longer being with us,” Trunk lamented.
Frehley, known for his iconic riffs on classics like “Rock and Roll All Night,” “Detroit Rock City,” and his solo hit “New York Groove,” was set to be honored alongside the original KISS members at the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in December. His passing leaves a profound void in the world of rock music, as fans and fellow musicians mourn the loss of a true icon.
As the news of Frehley’s death spreads, tributes are pouring in from across the music industry, highlighting his immense contribution to rock and roll and the legacy he leaves behind. The shock of this sudden loss resonates deeply, reminding fans of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of Frehley’s music.
