A disappearance that marked the world of rock
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The precise circumstances of his death were subsequently revealed: the musician succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage caused by an accidental fall in his personal studio on October 16. He suffered a skull fracture, subdural hematoma and stroke as a result of the fall.
Unanimous tributes from the musical community
Tom Morello Rage Against the Machine notably called him “the first guitar hero” who “inspired generations to love rock’n’roll.” The funeral marked a particularly emotional moment, bringing together all the original members of KISS despite past tensions.
Original initiatives to honor his memory
A fan even contacted the director of NASA to ask if it was possible to scatter Ace Frehley’s ashes on the Moon, but the response was negative. Eddie Trunk, SiriusXM radio personality and longtime friend of the musician, revealed that he received approval from the family to organize a tribute show.
An indelible musical legacy
Ace Frehley will posthumously receive a Kennedy Center Honor on December 7, joining Glenn Frey and Phil Lesh in this prestigious distinction. Co-founding KISS in 1973 with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss, he contributed to classics like “I Was Made for Loving You“, “Detroit Rock City” and “Love Gun“.
After leaving the band in 1982, he returned for the 1996 reunion before leaving for good in 2002. His influence on rock and his unique stage personality continue to inspire musicians and fans around the world.
