Ace Frehley, lead guitarist in the early years of the American glam rock group Kiss, died this Thursday, October 16, at the age of 74, his family announced. The guitar virtuoso died at home, surrounded by his family, after a recent fall, a representative confirmed to AFP.
In a statement, his family expressed their pain at this loss. “In his last moments, we were lucky to be able to surround him with words, thoughts, prayers and intentions of love (…) as he left this earth,” indicate his loved ones.
“The magnitude of his loss is of epic proportions and is beyond comprehension,” they added, estimating that “Ace’s memory will live on forever!”
Ace Frehley was one of the founding members of Kiss in 1973, along with singer Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss.
Inimitable style and very elaborate concerts.
Even in a time when extravagant costumes were the norm, the group built an inimitable style, with their facial makeup reminiscent of Kabuki (Japanese theater), their long, shaggy hair, and their impossibly high platform boots.
This look contributed to the success of the group, whose hits I was made to love you, god of thunder AND stutter They are among the classic rock soundtracks of the era.
Their elaborate concerts also impressed with their theatricality, with fireworks and smoke bombs. Like the lightning bolts chosen to represent Kiss’s SS and singer Gene Simmons’ incredibly long tongue.
Ace Frehley left the group in 1982 due to drug problems and creative differences.
He continued to work as a solo artist and as a founding member of Frehley’s Comet, producing several successful albums, but rejoined Kiss in the mid-1990s for a six-year stint. The guitarist leaves behind his wife, Jeanette, and daughter, Monique.
Source: BFM TV
