“He is and will always be a part of Kiss’s legacy.” Ace Frehley’s life and music are remembered in tributes from Kiss's Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, among many friends and fellow musicians

As the rock world mourns the death of Ace Frehley, his former Kiss bandmates reponded to the news of his passing on October 16.

Guitarist Paul Stanley and bass guitarist Gene Simmons issued a joint statement, saying, “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history.

“He is and will always be a part of Kiss’s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”

Peter Criss, who with Frehley, Stanley and Simmons made up the group’s founding members, wrote on social media, “I’m shocked!!! My friend… I love you!”

Simmons acknowledged the group’s upcoming Kennedy Center’s Honor on December 7, for which Frehley will now be recognized posthumously.

“Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec.” he wrote on his personal X account. “Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”

The Kennedy Center paid tribute to Frehley as well, saying, “We will be paying tribute to this “rock soldier”, his work, and his legacy at our ceremony in December.”

Tributes continued to flow from the many guitarists and musicians who Frehley influenced and entertained over his lifetime in music.

In a post on Pearl Jam’s official social media accounts, guitarist Mike McCready credited Frehley and Kiss for influencing him to play guitar.

“Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend,” he wrote. “I studied his solos endlessly over the years…

“Just listen to “Alive”, I used his solo from “She” as a template. Ace jammed on “Black Diamond” with Pearl Jam at Madison Square Garden…a dream come true for me.

“I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence.

“RIP it out Ace, you changed my life.”

Guitarist Tom Morello, a longtime Kiss fan, wrote on his Instagram, “My first guitar hero, Ace Frehley, has passed away. The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n roll and love rock n roll guitar playing.

“His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten. Thank you, Ace for a lifetime of great music and memories.”

Frehley was, as Morello noted, a lifetime player of Gibson Les Pauls, his electric guitar of choice. The guitar maker paid tribute to him on X, saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Ace Frehley. Thank you for the decades of music inspiring generations with your electrifying guitar work and unforgettable stage presence.

“Your sound helped define rock ’n’ roll. Our thoughts are with Ace’s family, friends, and fans around the world. Rest easy, Spaceman—your legacy will live on forever.”