Revealed: KISS legend Ace Frehley’s final photo before his death at 74

KISS guitarist Ace Frehley was honored and beloved by fans until the very end.

Following the musician’s death on Thursday at age 74 in Morristown, New Jersey, the Daily Mail is examining his last Instagram post.

Oh my god, you will NOT believe this! Ace Frehley himself – ACE! – posted a picture online yesterday, September 24th, and he was sitting right next to this amazing fan, Glenn. Glenn actually makes art *dedicated* to Ace and his guitar playing! I’m seriously losing it right now. It’s just… incredible to see Ace appreciate a fan like that.

A post on Frehley’s account revealed that Glenn wanted to give Ace a VIP pass to the 10,000 Volts Tour. It also mentioned her artwork – a painting of a hand holding a heart – was inspired by the lyrics of the song ‘Rip It Out’.

The post continued: ‘”Rip it out! Take my heart.” OF COURSE Ace signed it!’  

I can’t even believe I’m writing this… Ace Frehley is gone. TMZ reported he had a terrible brain bleed and things just went downhill so fast. He was rushed to the hospital and put on a ventilator, but… it wasn’t enough. His family had to make the hardest decision anyone could imagine and took him off life support. It feels like a piece of my childhood just vanished. I’m absolutely heartbroken.

According to reports, the musician fell and hit his head in his home studio several weeks ago, which led to a medical emergency.

Ace Frehley recently had a fall at home and his health has since declined, according to his representative, Lori Lousararian, in a statement to Rolling Stone. Few details about the incident are currently available.

Shortly before his passing, Frehley called off the rest of his tour. He described the decision as a tough one in a message to fans on Instagram.

People close to Ace Frehley reported to TMZ that he was on a ventilator for several days. Unfortunately, doctors weren’t seeing any improvement, leading to the difficult decision to discontinue life support.

Ace Frehley’s family told Rolling Stone they were deeply saddened by his death, but found comfort in knowing he was peaceful and comfortable in his final moments.

Frehley’s family shared that they were grateful to have filled his final moments with love, comfort, and peaceful thoughts and prayers as he passed away.

Frehley’s family celebrated his life and musical impact, remembering his joyful spirit, and the kindness and strength he shared with everyone he knew.

His loss is immense and difficult to fully grasp. We will always remember Ace and celebrate his remarkable life and everything he accomplished.

Ace Frehley was the first of the four original members of Kiss to die. The band’s original lineup included Frehley, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss.

The musical ensemble, which formed in 1973, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. 

Ace Frehley was key to creating KISS’s iconic, flamboyant image and helped define their energetic stage presence.

The band became well-known for combining powerful rock songs – including hits like Detroit Rock City, I Was Made for Lovin’ You, and Rock and Roll All Nite – with a visually stunning stage show featuring elaborate costumes, wigs, platform boots, and impressive fireworks.

Ace Frehley was a pioneer in stage effects, being one of the first musicians to use guitars that lit up, emitted smoke, and even shot rockets. His innovative use of modified instruments inspired many other performers to add similar visual elements to their shows, giving fans an extra layer of entertainment.

After departing from the band in 1982, he formed Frehley’s Comet and later rejoined KISS for their hugely successful 1996 reunion tour.

He stayed with the band until 2002, and afterwards continued to perform and record music on his own.

In April 2024, Ace Frehley shared with Antihero that he felt accomplished having established himself both as a solo artist and as a member of his former band.

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He believes he’s achieved more solo success than any other original member of Kiss, and points to his 1978 hit, ‘New York Groove,’ as evidence.

Ace Frehley expressed pride in his impact on music, a recognition supported by the many tributes acknowledging his innovative style.

He explained that most guitar players he meets – at least three out of four – tell him they were inspired to start playing by his band’s album, *Alive!* They say hearing that album made them want to pick up a guitar and learn his songs.

Ace Frehley believes his lasting contribution will be proving he could thrive as a solo artist after being part of a huge band like Kiss.

News spread quickly among rock fans that Ace Frehley had died after music journalist Mitch Lafon posted a tweet thanking him for his music and sending blessings.

A slew of memorials followed, led by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the band KISS said they were deeply saddened by the passing of their former manager, Fraley.

Stanley and Simmons described Frehley as a vital and unique member during the early, defining years of the band and its development.

The band continued, stating that he will forever be remembered as a key part of KISS’s history. They expressed their sympathy to Jeanette, Monique, his loved ones, and fans everywhere.

Maynard James Keenan, singer for the band Tool, shared a mysterious farewell message – ‘Godspeed, Ace’ – which led fans to worry that something was wrong with the guitarist.

Bret Michaels, the lead singer of Poison, posted a touching tribute to Ace on social media, sharing a photo of the two of them together.

Michaels expressed immense gratitude to his brother, Ace, for the incredible music they’ve created together over the years, including countless festivals and Ace’s guitar work on Poison’s hit song, ‘Nothing But A Good Time,’ from 1988.

He finished the message with a heartfelt closing: ‘With all our love and respect, from my family and me, may you rest in peace!’

Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine shared a heartfelt tribute, explaining how much the musician influenced him and his work.

Tom Morello shared the news of Ace Frehley’s passing, calling him his first guitar hero. He described the ‘Space Ace’ as a legendary figure who inspired countless people to embrace rock and roll and guitar playing.

We’ll always remember his iconic guitar riffs and solos, the dramatic smoke effects from his Les Paul, the exciting visual spectacle of his performances, his unique stage presence, and his unforgettable, infectious laugh. He may be gone, but his music and spirit will live on.

Morello finished in thanking Frehley ‘for a lifetime of great music and memories.’

Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready shared on X how much of an impact Ace Frehley had on him as a young musician.

McCready said Ace was both a personal hero and someone he considered a friend. He explained that he’d spent years carefully studying Ace’s guitar solos.

McCready referenced one of Pearl Jam’s biggest hits in conveying Frehley’s influence.

McCready explained that the guitar solo in their 1991 hit song “Alive” was inspired by a solo he’d previously created for the song “She.” “Alive” was the first single released from Pearl Jam’s debut album, Ten.

McCready remembered a concert at Madison Square Garden where Frehley came on stage with the band to play “Black Diamond,” an experience he called a dream come true.

McCready shared that he never would have started playing guitar if it weren’t for Ace Frehley and the band KISS. He ended with a tribute, saying, ‘Rest in peace, Ace – you truly changed my life. Thank you.’

Musician Richie Kotzen expressed his sadness over the passing of a “true legend,” sharing a photo of the two of them together.

Despite recent health problems, Ace Frehley’s Instagram account posted on September 25th to let fans know he was doing okay, although his doctors had advised him against traveling.

One week later, he announced the cancellation of all his remaining 2025 shows, explaining that he was dealing with continuing health problems.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen how quickly things can unravel when someone’s public persona doesn’t match their private struggles. Recently, some pretty concerning posts from Ace Frehley had fans really worried, and it all came to a head when he suddenly canceled the rest of his 2025 tour. Everyone’s just been desperately seeking answers, and it’s understandable – sudden changes like that always raise red flags.

I was so saddened to hear that Ace has had to cancel the rest of his 2025 tour dates. He shared on Instagram yesterday that some health concerns have led to this really tough decision, and he needs to prioritize his well-being right now. We’re all sending him our best wishes and hoping for a speedy recovery!

This is the second time in recent weeks that the artist known as ‘Spaceman’ has cancelled performances because of health issues. He previously shared that he’d been hospitalized after a minor fall in his studio last month.

Here’s an update on Ace: He recently had a small accident in his studio and was checked out at the hospital. He’s doing okay, but his doctor is advising him to stay home and avoid traveling for now, even though Ace would prefer to keep going.

Unfortunately, he has to cancel his show at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California, which was scheduled for Friday, September 26th.

Please visit the fair to cheer on his friends in the bands Quiet Riot and Vixen. Ace is excited to continue his tour and finish recording his next album, Origins Vol. 4.

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2025-10-17 07:06