The rock world lost a true legend with the passing of Ace Frehley on October 16, 2025. Known to millions of fans as The Spaceman, Ace was more than just the lead guitarist of Kiss—he was a symbol of creativity, attitude, and raw rock-and-roll spirit. His influence can still be felt today, not only through his music but through the generations of guitar players he inspired.
For many fans, one of the most emotional moments in Kiss history came during the band’s 1995 MTV Unplugged reunion. This performance marked the first time the four original members—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss—shared the stage together since 1980. Seeing them together again felt like a dream come true for longtime fans.
One moment that stands out the most is Ace Frehley taking lead vocals on “Rock and Roll All Nite.” Hearing Ace sing one of Kiss’s biggest songs was incredibly meaningful. It wasn’t just about the music—it was about seeing the original band reunited, relaxed, and genuinely enjoying the moment. Fans have often called this performance “the greatest Kiss live recording ever,” and it’s easy to understand why.
Adding to the magic, Peter Criss joined in on vocals, finishing the verse Ace started. This created a powerful and emotional blend of voices that longtime fans had not heard together in years. It felt like history being made right in front of the audience.
Ace’s guitar solo during the song, just after the two-minute mark, was another unforgettable highlight. His playing was loose, soulful, and full of feeling—exactly what made him special. Many Kiss fans still say Ace is their favorite guitarist from the band, and moments like this explain why. He didn’t just play notes; he played with heart.
In August 2025, Kiss uploaded a remastered HD version of the MTV Unplugged performance. Fans flooded the comments with love and nostalgia. Many shared how emotional it was to see all four original members together again. Some fans even said it felt like a goodbye they didn’t know they needed.
Another unforgettable moment from the Unplugged show was the performance of “Beth.” Peter Criss stepped out from behind the drums and took center stage to sing lead vocals for the entire song. Ace once again shined with a beautiful and emotional guitar solo. One top fan comment even called it their favorite Ace Frehley solo of all time.
Ace Frehley passed away at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by family. He had suffered a serious fall in his home studio weeks earlier, leading to complications that ultimately took his life. His passing marked the end of an era in rock music.
Ace was a founding member of Kiss, serving as lead guitarist from 1973 to 1982 before reuniting with the band in the 1990s. Beyond Kiss, he also found success as a solo artist. His 1978 self-titled solo album went Platinum, making it the most successful solo release among the four Kiss members.
Fans loved Ace not just for his talent, but for his personality. His playing was imperfect in the best way—full of emotion, soul, and character. Ace Frehley didn’t just help build Kiss; he helped shape rock music itself.