Recommendations of the Editorial team
One of the great rock’n’roll guitarists of all time has passed away. Ace Frehley, the legendary spaceman from KISS, is dead. He died on October 16, 2025 in Morristown, New Jersey, after a cerebral hemorrhage as a result of a fall. With him, the music world is not only losing a founding member of one of the most influential rock bands of the 1970s, but also one of the most dazzling and influential guitarists of our time – one who everyone relies on.
For this reason, we’re dedicating ourselves to ten of Ace Frehley’s great songs – whether from his time with KISS, his solo albums or his later projects.
1. “Shock Me” (Love Gun, 1977)
The archetypal Frehley moment: The electrocution that almost killed him became the Ace Frehley anthem and, in a sense, Götterdämmerung. “Shock Me” is the birth of the Spaceman myth: accident, irony and triumph mix to form a rock’n’roll legend. Frehley wrote the song after being electrocuted on stage and sang it himself for the first time – with that characteristic, charming, slurring voice. The riff is stoic, the solo is a rocket launch.
2. “New York Groove” (Ace Frehley, 1978)
His biggest solo hit, his musical flight home. Frehley didn’t write the song himself; it was written by British musician Russ Ballard, but his version made him world famous. “New York Groove” mixes funk, glam and street in an anthemic return to the Bronx, where Frehley grew up. The song is a love letter to asphalt, neon and nighttime self-assurance. The guitar lick is simple but impeccably precise. Frehley sings with his casual, characteristic self-irony. This is the spaceman on home leave, without rockets and spacesuit.
3. “Rip It Out” (Ace Frehley, 1978)
The opener of his solo album is an impressive statement. “Rip It Out” is an uncompromising hard rock song with an edgy riff and driving rhythm. Frehley sings with palpable determination; When it comes to the guitar solo, he keeps it short but precise – no unnecessary tone, just energy and timing.
4. “Rocket Ride” (Alive II, 1977)
“Rocket Ride” is one of the pieces that not only perfectly describes Frehley’s stage persona at KISS, but also defines it. Extraterrestrial flair meets straight hard rock and driving groove – and above all the typical Frehley wink.
The best songs by Ace Frehley, places 5-10 – from “Cold Gin” to “Parasite”
5. “Cold Gin” (KISS, 1974)
Even though Gene Simmons sang “Cold Gin” – it is the first song Frehley wrote for KISS. He created a piece that became an integral part of every KISS concert. Simple, effective and straightforward – early proof of his flair for simple, strong structures.
6. “Strange Ways” (Hotter Than Hell, 1974)
“Strange Ways” is a slow, heavy song with a strong blues influence. Peter Criss took over vocals, while Frehley contributed one of his most distinctive solos. An underrated pearl in the KISS catalog – raw, direct, unmistakable.
7. “Dark Light” (Music from ‘The Elder’, 1981)
Frehley became increasingly dissatisfied with the direction KISS was taking. “Dark Light” can certainly be read as his musical statement – because it is one of the few real rock tracks on the highly experimental concept album with orchestral and narrative elements designed by producer Bob Ezrin. The song was co-written by Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Lou Reed and Bob Ezrin, but is clearly based on Frehley’s musical idea and his characteristic guitar work.
8. “Parasite” (Hotter Than Hell, 1974)
“Parasite” is by Ace Frehley and appeared on the 1974 album “Hotter Than Hell”. The song is fast and riff-based, with a simple structure and clear rhythm; Gene Simmons took over vocals.
9. “Fractured Mirror” (Ace Frehley, 1978)
His solo piece “Fractured Mirror,” which concludes his 1978 solo album, has a special place in the Frehley canon. It is an instrumental piece with acoustic and electric guitars layered on top of each other. Subtle bell and echo effects create a calm, almost cinematic atmosphere.
10. “Into the Void” (Psycho Circus, 1998)
Last but not least, Frehley’s contribution to the late 90s phase of KISS should also be included here. “Into the Void” takes up many typical Frehley characteristics: the slow, heavy riff, a sparse, catchy melody and the distinctive, slightly offset vocal line. The song is stylistically reminiscent of his work from the 70s; However, Frehley sounds a little more controlled than before.
Ace Frehley: Information about death
Ace Frehley, the wild Kiss “Spaceman” who played guitar during the band’s 1970s glory years and returned during the 1990s reunion – inspiring generations of musicians along the way – died Thursday in Morristown, New Jersey. He was 74 years old.
Lori Lousararian, Frehley’s spokeswoman, attributed his death to a “recent fall at his home,” although no specific cause of death was given. “We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” his family said in a statement. “In his final moments, we were able to surround him with loving, peaceful words, thoughts and prayers. We will cherish all of his memories and laughter and celebrate his kindness. The magnitude of his loss is incomprehensible. Ace’s memory will live on forever!”