Ace Frehley was a member of the iconic rock band Kiss. He was the group’s original lead guitarist and helped establish its dramatic stage identity as “The Spaceman,” also known as “Space Ace.”
Frehley joined Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss in the early 1970s, forming the classic Kiss lineup. He played on major albums including “Kiss,” “Hotter than Hell,” “Dressed to Kill,” “Destroyer,” “Rock and Roll Over,” and “Love Gun.” His melodic guitar playing and visual effects, including a smoke-emitting guitar, became closely associated with the band’s theatrical hard-rock shows.
Frehley left Kiss in 1982 and later pursued a solo career, including work with Frehley’s Comet. He returned for the band’s 1996 reunion tour and remained involved until 2002. Kiss was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, with Frehley recognized as one of its founding members. He is sometimes confused with later Kiss guitarists, such as Vinnie Vincent or Tommy Thayer.