The passing of Ace Frehley is a loss that reverberates far beyond the world of KISS. For me, Ace was a central figure in my journey as a fan—someone whose music, personality, and presence shaped not only my love of rock and roll but also the friendships and experiences I’ve cherished along the way.
It all began in 1996, when I saw KISS perform on the MTV Video Music Awards under the Brooklyn Bridge. That reunion performance was electric, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Ace Frehley, the Spaceman, was part of the magic that pulled me in.
Meeting the Spaceman
Over the years, I was fortunate enough to meet Ace multiple times at concerts and expos, and I saw him perform live with his solo band on numerous occasions. Each meet-and-greet was special—Ace was approachable, funny, and always had that spark in his eye.
I’m especially grateful that I had the chance to interview him twice. In 2015, when I asked him what he admired about his former KISS bandmates, he said of Gene Simmons: “He’s a good businessman…great at merchandising.” Of Paul Stanley: “One of the greatest frontmen in rock and roll.” And of Peter Criss: “A great drummer and a good friend, and a real character.”
In 2018, when we spoke about his Spaceman album, Ace reflected on his sobriety with pride: “I’m no longer the drunk, unreliable guy anymore. I take care of business and I show up on time.” He also lit up when talking about working with Gene again, calling the songwriting process “effortless.” Those words revealed a man who had grown, who had fought his demons, and who still loved creating music.
The Music That Endures
Ace’s guitar work has always been the heartbeat of my fandom. My favorite solo of his is from Love Gun—a perfect example of his melodic yet fiery style. It’s the kind of solo that stays with you long after the song ends.
But Ace’s legacy isn’t just in the notes he played. It’s in the community he helped create. I met many of my closest KISS friends, including Matt Porter, by attending Ace Frehley events. His music didn’t just inspire us individually—it brought us together.
My Final KISS
On December 1, 2023, I attended my final KISS concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was my sixth show on the End of the Road Tour, and the perfect culmination of two decades of seeing KISS live. As I wrote at the time: “The only time I got choked up was when the monitors showed the band walking from the dressing room to the stage. That’s when it hit me: this was the last time I’d see KISS live.”
The setlist was classic, the energy was electric, and the night was unforgettable. While Ace wasn’t part of that final show, his presence was still felt in every riff and every memory. And I’ll never forget another New York moment: being there when Ace, Gene, Paul, and Peter were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Seeing the original four together on that stage was profoundly special for me—a reminder of the legacy they built and the lives they touched.
Saying Goodbye
Ace Frehley was more than the Spaceman. He was a pioneer, a survivor, and a reminder of why we fell in love with rock and roll in the first place. His passing leaves a void, but his music, his influence, and the memories he gave us will never fade.
I’ll always be thankful for the chance to interview him, to see him perform, and to share those experiences with friends who became family. From that first spark in 1996 to my final KISS concert in 2023, Ace was always at the center of my journey as a fan.
Rest in peace, Ace. You took us to the stars, and your music will keep us there forever.