What was Ace Frehley's first solo album? Career highlights explained as KISS co-founder dies at 74

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of the band Kiss, passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 74 due to complications from a brain bleed caused by a recent fall at his home.

The musician’s death has brought his remarkable musical career back to the spotlight. Kiss was originally formed in 1973 by Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss and Frehley. Frehley’s first solo album is a self-titled album, which was released on September 18, 1978, by Casablanca Records.

It was part of the band’s unique initiative where all four members of the band released solo albums simultaneously under the Kiss label. Ace Frehley’s debut album became the most successful among the four.

It featured the hit single New York Groove, which was highly praised by the fans and critics. It peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, according to a report in Ultimate Classic Rock.

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A look back at Ace Frehley’s career following his passing

Ace Frehley, popularly known by his moniker, The Spaceman, earned a prestigious spot in the music industry. It was a persona he created during his time with the rock band, Kiss. It was inspired by his interest in science fiction.

Frehley inspired many with his musical skills; he became a rock star despite having no formal musical training beforehand. While speaking to Guitar World in 2024, he said:

“I’m always flattered when people tell me I influenced them. If I knew I was gonna influence thousands of guitar players, I woulda practiced more. [Laughs] I laugh, but that’s the truth. I didn’t know I would become this iconic guitar player that so many people would listen to. I’ve had so many players come up to me and say, ‘You are the reason I play guitar,’ and I’m always like, ‘Wow…’”

Ace Frehley was born as Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in the Bronx, located in New York City. His father, Karl, was an electrical engineer, and his mother, Esther, was a homemaker.

He was the youngest of his two siblings. He had a brother named Charles, a classical guitarist and a sister, Nancy. Frehley graduated from Grace Lutheran School at the age of 13. He picked his nickname, “Ace”, from his high school.

He performed well in the arts department in his high school, and was encouraged by his guidance counsellor to get into graphic arts. In 1993, he used his skills to create artwork and sold it in an art gallery in New Jersey.

Ace Frehley never took a guitar lesson but grew up in a family surrounded by music. His father, who was also the church organist, played piano as did his mother, brother and sister. He learned to play barre chords from his friend Peppy Castro from the Blues Magoos.

Before joining KISS, Ace Frehley played in bar bands. He auditioned for Kiss on January 17, 1973, in New York City. He created his Spaceman persona and also thought to spray his hair silver.

Kiss was known for its Kabuki-inspired makeup, which gave each band member in the group a unique and distinct identity of their own. Far Out magazine reported that the make-up designs were suggested by their record label, Casablanca Records.

After a successful gig with the band, Frehley left in 1981 to pursue his solo career. In an interview with Loudwire, he said:

“I remember them saying, ‘Ok, you’ve resigned yourself to leaving.’ Paul [Stanley] came up to my house, took me out to lunch and begged me not to leave."

Frehley added:

"And I had made up my mind after the success of my solo album that I was much more creative away from them than with them. So I really felt that I needed to go out on my own. It was a stupid decision when I look back now cause I lost millions of dollars.”

In 1984, Frehley formed a new band, Frehley’s Comet. He rejoined Kiss when the band members united in 1996, for a reunion tour and stayed with the band till 2002.