Kiss members pay tribute to deceased founding member and guitarist Ace Frehley

Quelle: VIDEOELEPHANT (Glomex)

Ace Frehley, the legendary "Spaceman" guitarist of the rock band Kiss, has passed away at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey. Frehley played a crucial role in both the peak in the 1970s and the comeback in the 1990s. His spokesperson said he recently fell at home, but the exact cause of death was not disclosed. Due to health issues from previous falls, Frehley had recently canceled performances. Numerous companions and rock legends have already paid tribute to the musician - including his former bandmates from Kiss as well as Alice Cooper, Pearl Jam, Tom Morello, Bret Michaels, and many more. Numerous rock legends like his Kiss bandmates Alice Cooper, Pearl Jam, Tom Morello, Bret Michaels, and many more honored the legendary guitarist. "We are devastated," his family stated, adding that they could be with him in his final moments. "Ace's memory will live on forever." In a joint statement, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley referred to Frehley as an "indispensable and irreplaceable rock soldier" who "will forever remain a part of the Kiss legacy." Kiss drummer Peter Criss also released a tribute on his website. Frehley had "touched and inspired millions of people," he wrote. Pearl Jam's Mike McCready called him his "hero" who had changed his life: "Without Ace and the influence of Kiss, I would have never picked up the guitar." Bret Michaels wrote: "Ace, my brother [...] Rest in peace!!!" Guitarist Tom Morello added: "My first guitar hero [...] His timeless riffs and solos will be missed [...] but they will never be forgotten." Frehley first left Kiss in 1982 - tensions within the band, exacerbated by drug and alcohol problems, led to the separation. He later formed Frehley's Comet and had a very successful comeback tour with Kiss in 1995. In 2002, he left the band again and was replaced by Tommy Thayer. Thayer also took over Frehley's distinctive makeup, which he publicly criticized. In an interview in 2013, Frehley looked back on his life: "My life has been a roller coaster, but somehow I always managed to get back on my feet and still play the guitar."