Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for the rock band KISS, has died. He was 74.

Frehley reportedly suffered a brain bleed when he fell in his studio a couple weeks ago, according to TMZ. The family said he died “peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey” Thursday. 

“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. 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,” his family posted online. “We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. 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 went to the hospital after a “minor” fall at the end of September and was advised by his doctor “against his wishes” to avoid travel, according to a post on his social media Sept. 25. 

It prompted him to cancel his performance set for the following day at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California.

A week later, he canceled his remaining 2025 tour dates citing “ongoing medical issues.” He was set to perform in Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi and Ohio with “more tour dates always being announced.” 

Frehley was the lead guitarist and co-founder of the rock, glam metal band KISS alongside singer Paul Stanley, bassist and part-time singer Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss. The band stopped touring as a group in 2023. 

The band broke into the limelight after releasing four albums, “Kiss,” “Hotter Than Hell,” “Dressed to Kill,” and live album “Alive!” between 1974 and 1975. 

They gained a large following and released hits like “Rock And Roll All Nite,” “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” and “Detroit Rock City” among many others across dozens of albums. The group was also known for its intense stage shows, which included fireworks, smoke and eruptions of fake blood performed by band members in black-and-white painted faces, platform boots and black wigs.

Frehley was part of KISS from 1973 to 1982 before splitting off after becoming unhappy with the group’s change of sound from the 70s into the 80s. He was also interested in pursuing solo work after the successful released of his first solo album “Ace Frehley,” according to Guitar Player.

He and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Frehley was also named in the top 15 “Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time” by Guitar World, and included in their “Top 50 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time” list with his work on “Shock Me,” according to his website. 

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump announced that Kiss had been named one of this year’s recipients for the Kennedy Center Honors. Frehley previously endorsed Trump in 2020, calling him “the strongest leader we’ve got.”

Frehley’s social media posts say he was working on his next album “Origins Vol. 4.”

He is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, nieces Suncere Frehley and Julie Salvner, nephews Sky Frehley and Andrew Salvner, sister-in-law Michelanne and brother-in-law Ron Salvner, according to a family statement.