ROCK 'N' ROLL LOSES A LEGEND: ACE FREHLEY
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL LOSES A LEGEND: ACE FREHLEY
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL LOSES A LEGEND: ACE FREHLEY BLASTS OFF ONE LAST TIME
The stars are a little dimmer tonight, as rock ‘n’ roll mourns the loss of one of its most electrifying icons, Ace Frehley, the legendary Spaceman of KISS. Gone at 74, but never forgotten, Frehley didn’t just play guitar, he made it talk, scream and soar through the cosmos.
From the minute he walked into that KISS audition with mismatched sneakers and a don’t-give-a-damn grin, Ace was destined for greatness. He wasn’t just another guitarist in makeup, he was the sound behind the KISS explosion that dominated the ‘70s. His solos were molten lava, his riffs unforgettable and his swagger absolutely untouchable.
Fans remember him for the smoking guitar, the silver jumpsuit, and the out-of-this-world stage presence, but fellow rockers remember him for something even bigger: influence. Ask Slash, James Hetfield or Dave Grohl who lit the fuse on their rock dreams and they’ll name-check Ace without hesitation. He made guitar playing cool, dangerous and a little mysterious, just the way it should be.
Let’s not forget that 1978 solo album. While the other KISS members played it safe, Ace dropped “New York Groove”, a streetwise, glitter-rock anthem that still gets airplay decades later. That record wasn’t just a success, it proved Ace could stand on his own and own it.
Sure, he had his demons. Ace partied like a comet headed for Earth, but even when he flamed out, he never stopped being Ace. His comebacks were legendary. His solo work post-KISS still packed venues and shredded ears. Every time he picked up that Les Paul, you felt it.
Now, as fans raise their horns one last time, one thing’s for sure: Ace Frehley didn’t just inspire a generation, he created one. Thousands of kids strapped on guitars and looked to the stars because of him. He made rock larger than life and kept it fun.
He might be gone, but the Spaceman will never fade. Rest in power, Ace. The stars were never too far for you.
