Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley Pay Tribute to Kiss Guitarist Ace Frehley: “Irreplaceable Rock Soldier”

Ace Frehley’s fellow founding Kiss bandmates are paying tribute to the guitarist after he died in New Jersey on Thursday at age 74.

The legendary rock and roll musician died Thursday after suffering a recent fall at home. His family shared in a statement that the legendary musician was surrounded “with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.”

Frehley co-founded the American rock band in 1973 with lead singer Gene Simmons, guitarist Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss. They rose to fame thanks to their memorable face paint, elaborate stage outfits and lively shows that featured plenty of pyrotechnics. The band was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Stanley and Simmons wrote in a joint statement, shared with The Hollywood Reporter, “I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”

Frehley played on Kiss’ first nine albums before he left the band in 1982. He later returned for the group’s 1998 reunion album, Psycho Circus, but left a few years later in 2002. The guitarist also released nine solo studio albums throughout his career.

Bruce Kulick, who played with Kiss from 1984 to 1996, also wrote in a tribute on Instagram, “The news of Ace’s passing is devastating to the world of rock. It has deeply effected me as well. He was one of a kind a truly an iconic guitar player. His undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS cannot be forgotten. Not only was he loved by all, he influenced millions of guitarists around the world. RIP.”

Read more tributes to Frehley below.