

The news of Aceâs passing is devastating to the world of rock. It has deeply affected me as well. He was one of a kind. And truly an iconic guitar player. His undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS cannot be forgotten. Not only was he loved by all, he influenced millions of guitarists around the world. RIP
Original Kiss lead guitarist Ace Frehley has died at the age of 74 after injuries suffered from a fall at home.
Earlier this month, Frehley canceled his remaining 2025 tour dates, citing unspecified “ongoing medical issues” related to that accident. Earlier today it was revealed that he was on life support.
âWe are completely devastated and heartbroken,” reads a statement from his family. “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, Aceâs memory will continue to live on forever!â
Read More:Â Original Kiss Lead Guitarist Ace Frehley Dead at 74
Prayers for Ace.
While there are several social media posts indicating he’s already passed … we’re told the 74-year-old guitar icon was still on the ventilator as of Thursday afternoon.
Following Frehley’s fall and subsequent cancelations … a September 25 statement on his official IG page claimed, “He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time.”
Gene Simmons drove headfirst into a parked car in Malibu and it looks like it’s lucky he didn’t drive off a cliff and into the ocean … according to video TMZ obtained from his recent car crash.
Former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent has publicly condemned the bandâs handling of his contributions, particularly concerning the song âExciter,â in a statement posted on Facebook.
The issue emerged after a KISS fan praised Vincentâs original performance on the track, prompting a sharp response from the guitarist that revealed deep frustration over how his work was treated. The fan had written, âNo offense to the other KISS guitarists, but nobody else can pull off the ending to âExciterâ like Vinnie did. Speed and precision.â
His comments suggest that the modification of his guitar solo was a key factor in his decision to leave the band. The post also underscores the lingering animosity between Vincent and KISS leadership.
Vincentâs remarks are part of a long-standing pattern of conflict with the band dating back to the early 1980s. The renewed debate over âExciterâ adds yet another episode to the decades-long feud surrounding creative control and credit.
According to Wikipedia, Vincent joined KISS in late 1982, replacing founding guitarist Ace Frehley during the Creatures of the Night album era and the following Lick It Up tour. âExciter,â featured on Lick It Up (1983), was co-written by Vincent and Gene Simmons and showcased Vincentâs distinctive guitar style. His technical skill and songwriting were credited with revitalizing KISSâs sound, though his tenure was marred by mounting tensions with Simmons and Paul Stanley.
Vincentâs stint with the band ended in 1984 after the Lick It Up tour. Ultimate Classic Rock reported that he clashed with Simmons and Stanley over creative control, contracts, and compensation. Vincent refused to sign an employment contract, believing he was underpaid and denied fair publishing rights.