Just weeks before his death, Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of KISS, sat down with journalist and author Chaunce Hayden to discuss how he hoped to be remembered. In one of his final interviews, the legendary “Spaceman” reflected on his life, career, and the impact he had on his fans.
“I believe I’m going to be remembered as a straight shooter and a guy who stayed true to his craft and was respected by his peers,” Frehley told Hayden. “I brought happiness to a lot of people. I was always the funny guy in KISS. That’s how I would like to be remembered.”
Frehley also expressed pride in the positive influence he had on others, particularly those struggling with addiction. “The other thing that makes me proud is that a lot of kids come up to me and say they have been in recovery for six months or so and that it’s all because of me. They say if I can do it, they can do it too. That makes me feel good.”
Chaunce Hayden’s full interview with Ace Frehley will appear in his third book of interviews, Music: 30 Years Of Interviews, due out in January 2026, providing fans with an in-depth look at Frehley’s reflections on his life and career.
Tragically, Ace passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the age of 74. His death came just hours after TMZ reported that he had been hospitalized on life support following a brain bleed sustained when he took a fall in his home studio a couple of weeks prior. His family confirmed his passing in a statement, saying: “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. 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!”
Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in The Bronx, New York, Ace became a household name as KISS’s “Spaceman” — the original lead guitarist whose innovative riffs, melodic solos, and theatrical stage persona helped define the band’s signature sound.
Frehley played on some of KISS’s most legendary albums, including Kiss (1974), Destroyer (1976), Love Gun (1977), and Dynasty (1979), writing and performing classics like “Shock Me,” “Rocket Ride,” and “Talk to Me.” His 1978 self-titled solo album, featuring the hit single “New York Groove,” remains a fan favorite.
After leaving KISS in the early 1980s, Frehley continued a successful solo career with FREHLEY’S COMET and released a string of acclaimed albums, including Anomaly (2009) and 10,000 Volts (2024). He reunited with KISS for their 1996 reunion tour, thrilling fans worldwide and reaffirming his place as one of rock’s most influential guitarists.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.