Access Hollywood

Ace Frehley's KISS bandmates are speaking out after the legendary guitarist's sudden death. Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss, who rounded out the rock quartet's lineup alongside Frehley, paid tribute to his memory following news that he had passed away on Oct. 16 after suffering a recent fall. He was 74. In a joint statement obtained by NBC News, Simmons and Stanley reflected on Frehley's history with KISS and shared their sorrow and sympathy to his loved ones including wife Jeanette and daughter Monique. "I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS's legacy," the message read in part. Simmons went on to share in a post on X his sadness over Frehley missing the band's upcoming Kennedy Center Honors award in December. Criss also posted a separate note on his website revealing that he and his wife were "with him to the end" as well as his family. "As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in Ace's solo career, Ace influenced and touched the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army," Criss wrote. Frehley's death comes weeks after he announced on Instagram that he was canceling the remainder of his 2025 tour dates amid "ongoing medical issues." TMZ previously reported that he was on life support due to a brain bleed that resulted from the fall in September. Frehley had performed with KISS as a founding member and its lead guitarist from 1973 until he left the band in 1982 to pursue a solo career. He rejoined the group for a reunion tour in 1996 and stayed until 2002. Fellow musicians including Alice Cooper, Bret Michaels and Tom Morello took to social media with their memories of Frehley. » SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiKGMZZmZXK-RpbKJGXgH3Q?sub_confirmation=1 » Visit Our Website: http://accessonline.com Get More Access : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accesshollywood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/accesshollywood Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accesshollywood/#AccessHollywood "Access Hollywood" is an entertainment news show featuring Mario Lopez, Kit Hoover, Scott Evans, and co-host Zuri Hall. From exclusive celebrity interviews to breaking news and reality TV drama, we have all the celebrity news you need to know. #AccessHollywood #AceFrehley #KISS