Few names in rock ‘n’ roll carry the mystique and legend quite like Ace Frehley. As the original lead guitarist and one of the co-founding Kiss members, Frehley’s Spaceman persona, blistering guitar solos, and theatrical stage presence left an indelible mark on rock music. In October 2025, the music world was rocked by the news that Ace Frehley died at age 74. Here’s a detailed look at his life, legacy, health, death, and what fans should know.
Who Was Ace Frehley?
Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in New York City, Ace Frehley rose from humble beginnings to become a rock icon.
He joined Kiss in the early 1970s alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss, helping to define the band’s sound and visual impact with makeup, costumes, and high-blast performances.
Ace embraced the “Spaceman” or “Space Ace” character, complete with star-themed face paint and a guitarist who looked like he came from another world.
While with Kiss, Frehley played on their classic albums and contributed signature riffs. But his ambitions also led him to pursue solo work, including the hit “New York Groove”, which remains one of his most famous solo tracks.
What Happened to Ace Frehley? The Fall and Final Days
In late September 2025, Frehley experienced a serious fall in his home studio, which led to complications that would ultimately cost him his life.
That fall caused a brain bleed, and he was placed on life support and ventilator in a New Jersey hospital.
On October 16, 2025, Ace Frehley passed away, surrounded by family. He was 74.
While some early reports speculated about his condition or possible recovery, the official statement confirmed his death and the cause tied to complications from that fall.
Because of this, you will see many searches now like “ace frehley died,” “ace frehley cause of death,” or “ace frehley dead.”
Health, Legacy & Questions Around His Death
Health Leading Up to the Fall
Prior to the fall, Frehley had canceled remaining 2025 tour dates due to ongoing medical concerns from a prior minor fall and hospitalization.
Though some reports earlier suggested he remained alive but in critical condition, the confirmed death has shifted public conversation to legacy rather than recovery.
Legacy and Influence
Ace Frehley’s impact goes far beyond riffs and theatrics. He influenced generations of guitarists and helped cement Kiss’s status as one of rock’s most theatrical and enduring brands.
He didn’t just survive in the spotlight; he contributed deeply — both in Kiss and in his solo career, with many albums, tours, and collaborations to his name.
Even toward the end, he released a solo album in 2024 titled 10,000 Volts, showing he maintained creative energy until late in life.
Personal Life: Wife, Daughter, and Net Worth
Ace Frehley Wife & Family
Ace Frehley was married to Jeanette Trerotola (also spelled Jeannette or Jeanette Trerotola) beginning in 1976.
They had a daughter, Monique, born in 1980.
Though legally still married, they were effectively estranged for many years.
Despite the separation, his family expressed deep loss and mourning after his passing.
Ace Frehley Net Worth
At the time of his death, Ace Frehley’s net worth was estimated at around US $1 million.
While that may not seem huge compared to some rock legends, much of it came through royalties, album sales, KISS earnings, merchandise, and ongoing music ventures.
Discussions are ongoing about who inherits his estate—likely his ex-wife and daughter, but full details have not been made public.
Kiss Members & the Mortality of Rock Legends
With Ace Frehley’s passing, another original Kiss band member dies, which leads fans to reflect on the passage of time. The original lineup included Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley.
Peter Criss and others have faced health challenges in recent years, and fans often search “Kiss member died” or “which Kiss members dead.” Ace’s death intensifies that conversation.
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley paid tribute, calling Frehley an “irreplaceable rock soldier,” acknowledging not just his musical input but his spirit and bond with the band.
The legacy of Kiss now shifts further into memory and legacy projects — including digital avatar performances that the band plans to do moving forward.
Addressing Common Searches
- Is Ace Frehley still alive? — No. Ace Frehley died on October 16, 2025.
- Ace Frehley death / cause of death — A fall in his studio caused a brain bleed; complications from that ultimately led to his passing.
- Kiss member dies / who died today / who is dead — With Frehley’s passing, he is the latest original member to pass away.
- Ace Frehley wife / daughter / Jeanette — His wife is Jeanette Trerotola, and daughter Monique. The marriage was strained.
- Ace Frehley net worth — Estimated at roughly $1 million at time of death.
- Kiss Ace Frehley news / health — His health issues culminating in the fall and tour cancellations were widely reported.
Final Reflection: The Legacy of “Space Ace”
Ace Frehley was more than a guitarist — he was a symbol of rock’s theatrical frontier. With a silver-suited presence, smoking guitars, and a flair for spectacle, he helped shape what rock concert experience meant for decades.
His solo career, his contribution to Kiss’s early success, and his ongoing creative spirit until the end make him an enduring influence. Even in death, fans will remember the solos, the makeup, and the electric energy.
Though Ace Frehley is dead, his music lives on — in airwaves, riffs, and the next generation of guitarists he inspired. For many, he was the personification of how rock could be cosmic, theatrical, and deeply personal all at once.
Rest in riffs, Spaceman. 🎸
