Reaction to the death of Kiss founding member Ace Frehley, who died Thursday at age 74, has been visible.
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons
“We are 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 part of the KISS legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.” – the Kiss founders said in a statement.
Pearl jam
“I heard about Ace Frehley's passing from Rick Freel, who I was in a band with called Shadow. Rick was also the first guy on the bus in 1977 with a KISS lunchbox who told me about Ace… just changed my life. In 1978, I got a guitar to join Rick's band Warrior, which became Shadow. We did cover of “C'mon and Love Me”. All my friends spent countless hours talking about KISS and buying KISS stuff. Ace was a hero. mine and also I would consider a friend. I've studied his solos endlessly over the years… I wouldn't have picked up a guitar without the influence of Ace and KISS. Give it up Ace, you changed my life.” — Mike McCready, co-founder and lead guitarist of the band X.
Bret Michaels
“Ace, my brother, I certainly can't thank you enough for the years of great music, for the many festivals we did together, and for your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time. All my love and respect from my family and myself – rest in peace!!!” – former frontman of Poison on X.
Maynard James Keenan
– Goodbye, Ace. Frontman of Tool on Instagram.
Nile Rodgers
“Ace RIP was the first person I met when we formed CHIC! @KISS played at a place called Le Jardin. Without makeup, no one recognized him when he sat at my table. Just minutes before, the crowd had lost their shit over him. I learned a lot that night. Truly historic #rock” – musician and co-founder of a disco band Chic on X.
Tom Morello
“My first guitar hero, Ace Frehley, has passed away. The legendary cosmic Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock 'n' roll and to love rock 'n' roll guitar playing. His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting out of his neck, his cool space swing on stage and his unforgettable crazy laugh, we will miss but never forget. Thank you, Ace, for a lifetime of great music. and memories.” – on Instagram.
Kennedy Center
“The Kennedy Center is saddened to learn of the passing of one of this year's Kennedy Center honorees, Ace Frehley of KISS. … We will pay tribute to this rock soldier, his work and his legacy at our ceremony in December.” – on X.
