Well 2025 has been a tough year for music legends... Sly Stone, Brian Wilson, Ozzy... and now original KISS Spaceman guitarist Ace Frehley has died age 74 following a fall sustained two weeks ago. It had been reported earlier that the guitarist had been on life support after being hospitalized by a brain bleed caused by the fall.
He was not the most technical guitarist in the world, but he did have a uniquely melodic style and of course a sense of flash that inspired millions of kids to pick up a guitar, many of whom have become famous guitarists themselves and in turn also inspired subsequent generations.
On a personal note, I first saw him in Paris with KISS on the highly successful 1996 reunion tour and seeing these guys come together and re-create the Alive II gatefold sleeve was a dream come true. I then saw him with his solo band 22 years later opening for Alice Cooper in Los Angeles, and despite adverse circumstances, he still knew how to throw a party.
