Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley ‘devastated’ over KISS bandmate Ace Frehley’s death at 74

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are mourning the sudden loss of former KISS bandmate Ace Frehley.

The “Beth” rockers, who founded KISS with Frehley and drummer Peter Criss in 1973, addressed the guitarist’s death shortly after the shocking news was announced Thursday.

“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” the pair said in an emotional statement to Page Six. “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,” they added. “Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”

Frehley, dubbed the Spaceman and Space Ace, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the age of 74. His family confirmed the beloved rocker’s death in a touching statement.

“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” they began. “In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.”

“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others,” his loved ones continued. “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension.”

“Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!” Frehley’s family concluded.

Hours before the news of Frehley’s passing, it was reported that the original KISS guitarist had been placed on life support with a brain bleed following a serious fall he suffered in his studio last month.

The “Rock and Roll All Nite” guitarist had first caused concern after announcing he couldn’t make a performance in California scheduled for Sept. 26 because he suffered “a minor fall in his studio” that resulted “in a trip to the hospital.”

“He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time,” read a worrying message on the “Cold Gin” writer’s Instagram page.

Frehley later went on to cancel the remaining dates of his 2025 tour because of “ongoing medical issues” following his fall and hospitalization.

“Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates,” the musician announced in another post on Oct. 6.

Despite forming KISS with Simmons, Stanley and Criss in 1973, Frehley chose to depart the band in 1982 to start his own group, Frehley’s Comet, and pursue a subsequent solo career.

The Bronx native later rejoined KISS for the band’s reunion tour in 1996, and he remained with his former group until 2002.

In the years that followed, Frehley reunited with his former bandmates a handful of times, including for a surprise appearance with Simmons at Capitol Records in Los Angeles in January 2018.

Frehley’s most recent solo album, titled “10,000 Volts,” was released in February 2023, while Simmons and Stanley took their final bow as KISS in December 2024.