Credit: Ace Frehley
Frehley was the first death among Kiss’s four founding members, who also included singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons, and drummer Peter Criss. His contributions were crucial to the band’s signature sound and theatrical success during their mid-1970s peak, producing hits like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and the biggest U.S. commercial hit, “Beth.”
Despite a history of feuds and multiple departures from the band, his importance was recognized by his former bandmates. Simmons and Stanley released a joint statement calling him an “essential and irreplaceable rock soldier”and affirming that he “is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.”
Frehley rejoined the band for a triumphant reunion in the mid-1990s, restoring the classic lineup and original makeup. A Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, his influence extended far beyond Kiss, shaping the sound and style of hair metal bands like Mötley Crüe and Poison, and earning the respect of harder-edged groups like Metallica.
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