| Full Name: | Paul Daniel Frehley |
| Known As: | Ace Frehley, “The Spaceman” of KISS |
| Born: | April 27, 1951, the Bronx, New York City, USA |
| Died: | October 16, 2025, Morristown, New Jersey (aged 74) |
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of KISS, died on October 16, 2025, at the age of 74. Known to fans as the “Spaceman,” he helped turn KISS into one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Here is a look at his life, his music and the legacy he leaves behind.
Childhood & Early Life
Ace Frehley was born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, New York. He grew up in a musical family, so he started playing guitar at just 13. Soon, rock and roll became his whole world. At 18, he even worked as a roadie for Jimi Hendrix.
Founding KISS and Creating the Spaceman
In 1973, Frehley co-founded KISS with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss. He created the “Spaceman” character, also called “Space Ace,” with silver face paint and a futuristic costume. On stage, his guitar smoked and even shot rockets. As a result, his solos became a key part of the band’s wild live show.
During the 1970s, he played on classic KISS albums such as Alive!, Destroyer and Love Gun.
Key Moments in His Career
| 1973: | Co-founded KISS in New York City. |
| 1978: | Released his first solo album, which included the hit “New York Groove.” |
| 1982: | Left KISS and later formed his own band, Frehley’s Comet. |
| 1996–2002: | Rejoined KISS for the famous reunion tour, then left again in 2002. |
| 2014: | Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with KISS. |
| 2024: | Released 10,000 Volts, which topped Billboard’s hard music and rock album charts. |
Solo Career and Frehley’s Comet
After leaving KISS in 1982, Frehley formed Frehley’s Comet. Later, he kept releasing solo music for decades. Of course, his best-known solo hits include “New York Groove” and “Rock Soldiers.” Even in his 70s, he was still recording new music and playing for fans.
Lifestyle
Like many rock stars of his era, Ace Frehley lived a wild life at the height of his fame. However, he later spoke openly about his struggles with alcohol and drugs and about getting sober. In his later years, he focused on his music, his health and his fans.
How Did Ace Frehley Die?
In September 2025, Frehley suffered a fall in his home studio and was taken to the hospital. Sadly, he died a few weeks later, on October 16, 2025, in Morristown, New Jersey. The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled his death accidental, caused by blunt force head trauma from the fall.
In a statement, his family said they were devastated and heartbroken. They also said his legacy would live on.
Ace Frehley’s Wife and Family
Ace Frehley married Jeanette Trerotola in 1976. The couple separated in the early 1980s, but according to reports after his death they never formally divorced. Their daughter is Monique Frehley. Jeanette and Monique were both named in the family’s statement after he died.
Ace Frehley Net Worth
Ace Frehley’s net worth was about $1 million at the time of his death, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Other estimates go up to about $2 million; no official figure was ever published.
That is far less than KISS co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who kept control of the KISS name and brand after Ace left the band in 1982.
Ace Frehley’s Legacy
Ace Frehley inspired generations of guitarists with his loud, simple and catchy style. Indeed, for many fans, the Spaceman was the coolest member of KISS. Even today, his music still sounds as big as it did in the 1970s.
FAQ
How did Ace Frehley die?
He died on October 16, 2025, a few weeks after a fall in his home studio. The medical examiner ruled his death accidental, caused by blunt force head trauma.
How old was Ace Frehley when he died?
He was 74 years old.
Who was Ace Frehley’s wife?
Jeanette Trerotola. They married in 1976 and separated in the early 1980s.
What was Ace Frehley’s net worth?
About $1 million at the time of his death, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
