Ace Frehley, co-founder and original lead guitarist of legendary rock band KISS, died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at the age of 74.
MNRK Music Group, which had been Frehley’s longtime label home for his solo output, released the following statement:
“With profound sorrow, MNRK Music Group mourns the loss of the iconic and beloved rock guitarist and MNRK recording artist Ace Frehley, who passed away today at age 74.
“’Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the devoted community of fans who have stood faithfully by his side through every era of his career,’ says MNRK President and CEO Sean Stevenson.
“’We at MNRK Music Group are deeply honored to have worked alongside Ace and to have been his label home since 2014. His creativity, humor, and passion for music will remain an enduring part of MNRK’s story.’
“As a founding member of KISS, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and a dynamic solo artist, The Spaceman forever changed the sound and spirit of rock music. His fiery playing, unmistakable style, and larger-than-life presence inspired generations to pick up the guitar and chase their own musical dreams.”
Frehley was a member of KISS from 1973 to 1982 and 1996 to 2002. He released eight solo albums, starting with “Ace Frehley,” featuring the hit single “New York Groove,” in 1978 and ending with “10,000 Volts” in 2024. He also released two studio albums in the 1980s with his band Frehley’s Comet.
Frehley was particularly active in the past two decades, releasing six albums and touring frequently. Live Metal was lucky enough to interview Ace in 2009 as he prepared to release “Anomaly,” his first solo record since 1989. Read the interview here.
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