Ace Frehley, the iconic lead guitarist for KISS, has had a brain bleed following a fall and is on life support, according to multiple news outlets including TMZ. Per the outlet, "[T]he prognosis is not good...." The musician, 74, was compelled to scrap tour dates because of his serious medical situation. According to TMZ, "We're told he's been on a ventilator for some time, and hasn't gotten better -- so, his family is considering turning off support ... perhaps as soon as Thursday evening."
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A Statement on Frehley's Instagram Last Month Said He Was "Fine"
The statement, dated September 25, said this. "Dear Rock Soldiers, Ace had a minor fall in his studio, resulting in a trip to the hospital. He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time. As a result, he is forced to cancel his performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California on Friday, September 26th. Please go to the fair to support his friends in Quiet Riot and Vixen, and Ace looks forward to continuing on his tour and finishing work on his next album, 'Origins Vol. 4."
On October 6, there was this follow-up. "Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates."
Frehley Was a KISS Founder
He teamed up with Peter Criss, Gene Simmons, and Paul Stanley to launch the band. Frehley was a mainstay of KISS for nine years, from 1973 to 1982 then he exited "amid creative differences and substance abuse issues," per the outlet.
Frehley then began a solo stint. He had a band called Frehley's Comet for four years in the 1980s. Per TMZ, "He rejoined the group for their 1996 reunion tour and remained with them until 2002."
He was involved in many legendary KISS hits. Among them are "Detroit Rock City," "I Was Made for Lovin' You," and "Rock and Roll All Nite."
The KISS members will be Kennedy Center honorees later this year. Per the New York Post via TMZ, Frehley said a couple of months ago that getting the coveted recognition was terrific. "A dream come true that I never thought would materialize," said the rocker gratefully.
