To many stars, Ace Frehley was simply out of this world.
Music superstars and other celebrities are paying tribute to the rock musician best known for his role as the original lead guitarist of glam rock band KISS. Frehley, also known as “The Alien,” died on October 16 at the age of 74 after suffering a fall at his home.
In a statement shared with USA TODAY, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons called their former bandmates “rock soldiers.”
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an irreplaceable rock warrior who was essential to the most formative and foundational period of the band and its history,” the duo said. “He is and always will be a part of the KISS legacy.
“Our thoughts are with Janet, Monique and everyone who loved him, including his fans around the world.”
Here’s what other stars are saying about Frehley and his unforgettable musical legacy.
Bret Michaels thanks Ace Frehley for ‘years of great music’
Shortly after news of Frehley’s death became public, fellow rocker Bret Michaels paid tribute to his friend on social media. “Ace, my brother, I can’t thank you enough for all the years of great music, all the festivals we’ve been to together, and for playing lead guitar on ‘Nothing But a Good Time,'” Michaels captioned a photo of the two.
“With love and respect from my family and myself – may you rest in peace!!!”
Bruce Kulick, who played with KISS from 1984 to 1996, said Frehley’s death was “devastating to the rock world.”
“It had a deep impact on me too,” he wrote on Instagram. “He was a one-of-a-kind, truly iconic guitarist. His undeniable role in the founding and success of KISS cannot be forgotten. Not only was he loved by all, but he influenced millions of guitarists around the world. Rest in Peace.”
Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready calls Ace Frehley ‘my hero’
Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready shared a photo of himself with Frehley and Eddie Vedder and a touching message to his friend, whom he considers “my hero,” in a post that was also shared on the band’s social media accounts.
“I heard about Ace Frehley’s death from Rick Friel, who played with me in the band Shadow. Rick was also the first person to tell me about Ace on the bus with a KISS lunch box in 1977…it literally changed my life,” McCready wrote. “I picked up a guitar to join Rick’s band, Warrior, which became Shadow in 1978. We covered ‘C’mon and Love Me.’ ”
“All my friends have spent countless hours talking about KISS and buying KISS stuff. Ace is my hero and I consider him a friend. I studied his solos endlessly for years,” he continued. “Listen to ‘Alive.’ We used the ‘She’ solo as a template. Ace jammed ‘Black Diamond’ with Pearl Jam at Madison Square Garden…It was a dream come true for me.”
McCready concluded his eulogy by saying, “If it wasn’t for Ace and Kiss’ influence, I would never have picked up a guitar. Rest in peace, Ace, you changed my life. Thank you.”
Kennedy Center, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors “one of the most famous and influential guitarists”
The Kennedy Center honored Frehley, who was scheduled to be honored along with Stanley, Simmons and Peter Criss at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors later this year.
The Washington, D.C.-based cultural center said in a social media post that it “expresses its deepest condolences to his friends, family, and millions of fans around the world.” “We will honor this ‘Soldier of the Rock’, his legacy and his accomplishments at a ceremony in December.”
Meanwhile, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shared a memorial that included a clip of Frehley’s speech at the 2014 induction ceremony.
The caption read, “A vital part of the band that inspired generations of hard rockers to pick up their instruments, ‘Space Ace’ will be remembered as one of the most famous and influential guitarists of all time.”
MNRK Music Group said in an emailed statement to USA TODAY: “We are honored to work with Ace and have been home to his label since 2014.”
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the loyal fan community who stood by his side throughout every era of his career,” said MNRK President and CEO Shawn Stephenson. “His creativity, humor and passion for music will forever be a part of MNRK’s story.”
