Other rock musicians on Thursday mourned the loss of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Kiss founding member and lead guitarist Ace Frehley, celebrating his impact on the genre.
“He was a vital and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative chapters of the band and its history,” Kiss bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley said in a joint statement. “He is and always will be part of Kiss’ legacy. Our thoughts are with [Frehley’s wife] Jeanette, [his daughter] Monique and everyone who loved it, including our fans around the world.
Frehley died after being hospitalized following a fall at a recording studio last month. He was 74 years old.
Simmons also wrote his own tribute to his bandmate and friend, saying that “no one can touch Ace’s legacy.” He also wrote that he was disappointed the rock star wasn’t there to be honored at the Kennedy Center Honors in December.
Our hearts are broken. Ace is dead. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me this several times. Sadder still, Ace did not live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in December. Ace was the eternal soldier of rock. Long may his legacy endure!
– Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 16, 2025
Simmons and Stanley were among many rock music industry peers who weighed in on the guitarist’s passing, with bands like Pearl Jam and Mötley Crüe also paying tribute to him on social media.
Motley Crue guitarist John 5 wrote a tribute to Frehley, saying he was “shocked and saddened” by his passing. The two had been friends for over 30 years. “Ace Frehley changed the world,” he wrote. “He influenced millions of people and changed my life.”
The Kennedy Center said its dedication to Frehley’s legacy will still be celebrated in his honor in December.
Keep reading for more tributes to the late rock star.
I am so shocked and saddened that this happened to my hero and my friend. I’ve known Ace since 1988 and we’ve been very close ever since. Ace Frehley changed the world. He influenced millions of people and changed my life. I will miss you my friend.#RIPAceFrehley #RIPSpaceace pic.twitter.com/AXCTxH41aJ
– John 5 🎸 (@john5guitarist) October 16, 2025
Ace Frehley, Eddie, Me impressed…
📸: Danny ClinchI learned of Ace Frehley’s passing from Rick Friel who I played with in a band called Shadow. Rick was also the first guy on the bus in 1977 with a KISS lunch box to tell me about Ace…he just changed my life. I got a guitar in 1978… pic.twitter.com/0oULzn0A5H
– Pearl Jam (@PearlJam) October 16, 2025
@ace_frehley Ace, my brother, I surely can’t thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time. All my love and respect from my family and myself – may you rest in peace!!! #AceFrehley pic.twitter.com/Vb5IIPYPxu
– Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) October 16, 2025
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Ace Frehley. Thank you for decades of music that inspired generations with your electrifying guitar work and unforgettable stage presence. Your sound helped define rock ‘n’ roll. Our thoughts are with Ace’s family,… pic.twitter.com/tRQTGNVCUl
– Gibson (@gibsonguitar) October 16, 2025
It has now been officially confirmed and revealed by family that my friend of 40 years @ace_frehley died. To me, this goes beyond words on many levels. My condolences to Jeanette, Monique and all the other fans. I will be airing a special tribute to Ace tonight on… pic.twitter.com/TSIus5y0zd
– Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) October 16, 2025
The Kennedy Center is saddened to learn of the passing of one of this year’s Kennedy Center honorees, Ace Frehley of KISS.
We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family and millions of fans around the world.
We will pay tribute to this “soldier of rock”, his… pic.twitter.com/7wkAHIufDE
– The Kennedy Center (@ @ @cenns) October 16, 2025
Ace Frehley, KISS’s first Spaceman and one of rock’s most electrifying guitarists, has died at age 74. From his haunting solos to his larger-than-life spirit, he changed the sound of rock forever and he will be missed. pic.twitter.com/4aNOTTUVAE
– Éric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) October 16, 2025
(1/3) In memory: @ace_frehley was the co-founder and original guitarist of the 2014 Inductees @KISS. Known for his distinctive licks, flashy pyrotechnics and his alter ego – the “Spaceman” – Frehley also contributed lead vocals to songs such as “Shock Me” and “Rocket Ride,” and… pic.twitter.com/3zYM9ks8lY
– Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (@rockhall) October 16, 2025
Sad to hear of the passing of my friend, the legendary Ace Frehley.
One of the greatest to ever make it – incredibly talented and always treated me with kindness and respect. Long live the Spaceman pic.twitter.com/kRLrzC9xV9– Scott P. Brown (@SenScottBrown) October 16, 2025
