Tommy Thayer paid tribute to the late Ace Frehley with a heartfelt message he posted on Instagram. This comes despite a past altercation between the two KISS guitarists.<\/p>\n
Thayer\u2019s statement honored Frehley\u2019s lasting impact on rock music and his personal influence.<\/p>\n
\u201cA legend who will never be forgotten,\u201d Thayer said. \u201cHe inspired generations of guitarists, myself included, to chase greatness. It\u2019s been an honor to walk in his footsteps. His legacy will live forever. Rest in peace, Ace.\u201d<\/p>\n
The tribute comes years after a well-known incident between the two musicians.<\/p>\n
In 2018, Frehley recounted punching Thayer during a live conversation at Hollywood\u2019s Musicians Institute. He explained that the band had a strict rule against women in the dressing room during preparation. However, he noticed this rule wasn\u2019t enforced when wives of other band members visited.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened was, we had an ongoing rule on tour that there\u2019s no women allowed in the dressing room,\u201d Frehley explained. \u201cI had a girlfriend with me \u2014 a model from Canada, and, of course, she always had to wait outside. When Shannon and Paul\u2019s wife came on tour, they just pranced into the dressing room. I let it go \u2014 I didn\u2019t make a big deal out of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frehley described what happened on the final day of their Australian tour.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the last day of the tour in Australia. Everybody has left the dressing room,\u201d he continued. \u201cThey had all split, so my girlfriend was standing outside, and I said, \u2018Hey, honey, come on in. Nobody\u2019s here.\u2019 Five minutes later, Tommy Thayer comes walking in and goes, \u2018Ace, you know the rule \u2014 no women in the dressing room.\u2019 I go, \u2018There\u2019s nobody here. It\u2019s the end of the tour.\u2019 He started being authoritative with me, so I gave him a shot. I got aggravated. I guess the Bronx boy in me came out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite their rocky history, Thayer\u2019s tribute reflects respect for Frehley\u2019s contributions to rock music and the legacy he leaves behind.<\/p>\n
Frehley\u2019s death marks a significant loss for the rock community. ABC News reported that the founding guitarist of KISS died on October 16, 2025, at age 74. His death was due to complications from a recent fall at his home studio in Morristown, New Jersey. The fall led to a brain bleed and subsequent medical issues that ultimately proved fatal.<\/p>\n
Live for Live Music noted that Frehley had been hospitalized and on life support before passing away peacefully, surrounded by family. His family released a statement expressing devastation and recalling his kindness and achievements throughout his legendary career.<\/p>\n
Earlier in 2025, Frehley had canceled his tour dates due to ongoing medical problems linked to the fall. Best Classic Bands highlighted that his passing marks the first death of an original KISS member. This makes it a historic and somber moment for the band\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n
Frehley co-founded KISS in 1973 and became known for his iconic \u201cSpaceman\u201d persona on stage. He had a celebrated career both with KISS and through his solo projects. He inspired countless guitarists around the world with his innovative playing style and stage presence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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