By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ace Frehley, the lead guitarist and a founding member of the iconic band Kiss, passed away at the age of 74. As the Spaceman, Frehley was instrumental in shaping Kiss’s sound, contributing to hits like “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” during the band’s initial run from 1973 to 1982. He later rejoined the band for a successful reunion in 1996 before departing again, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Frehley’s influence extended beyond music, inspiring generations and paving the way for the band’s impact on pop culture.
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Ace Frehley, original guitarist with theatrical rock band Kiss, dies at 74. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? The Spaceman, gone. It feels like a piece of rock and roll history has just been beamed up. The news hits hard, especially for those of us who grew up with Kiss, with posters plastered on our walls, singing along to “New York Groove” as we skied down the mountain. And Weezer, paying homage with their song mentioning Ace and Peter Criss… a testament to the band’s lasting impact.
Ace Frehley, the embodiment of cool with his iconic Spaceman makeup and fiery guitar solos, was more than just a guitarist; he was a visual icon, a part of the spectacle that made Kiss, Kiss. He was the reason many of us have been building concerts for a living for the past twenty years. His influence on the live music experience is undeniable.
The impact of Kiss can be seen in the way live shows are produced today. Before Kiss, most bands toured with minimal production. They were mostly just playing their music with minimal visual support. Kiss came along and completely changed the game. They pioneered the theatrical approach. The elaborate costumes, the face paint, the massive lighting rigs, the pyrotechnics, the blood spitting, the CO2 and confetti cannons… it was a full-blown rock and roll extravaganza. This became the blueprint for the massive productions we see today from artists across genres, from pop to metal, from country to hip-hop. Kiss essentially laid the groundwork.
Ace Frehley was a key part of that foundation. His guitar playing, his stage presence, his contribution to the songwriting… it all added to the magic. He left a legacy of riffs that many guitar players have learned from, even if it wasn’t always obvious where the riffs came from.
It’s interesting to think about the dynamics within Kiss. The rumors and the stories that have come out over the years. Ace and Peter Criss left the band multiple times, hinting at internal tensions. They both mentioned that Gene and Paul were difficult to work with. It’s a sad thought, realizing that perhaps the collaborative effort wasn’t always the easiest.
The theatrical aspect of Kiss’s performance is notable. While some might argue over the label, “theatrical” is certainly apt in describing their elaborately made-up and costumed performers, staging an elaborate show with singing and dancing. It’s not just a concert; it’s a performance. It’s an experience. The fact that the band was “Metal” versus “theatrical” is something that the public could argue about forever.
Kiss’s influence extends far beyond their music. They paved the way for a whole generation of bands. They changed the way rock and roll was presented. They showed that a live show could be an all-out spectacle, an immersive experience.
Now, with Ace gone, there’s a certain weight to it. The Spaceman has returned to the stars, joining the pantheon of rock legends.