by Vinnie Vincent has shared an emotional tribute following the passing of KISS legend Ace Frehley. He reflected on their unique connection and shared legacy with the iconic rock band. The lengthy statement was posted on Vinnie Vincent Invasion’s official Facebook page.
Vincent replaced Frehley as KISS guitarist in the early 1980s. He opened his statement by acknowledging the profound impact of Frehley’s death on fans worldwide.
“To Ace and to all. Gone too soon. I wanted to say the right words that could describe the loss of a loved one but nothing I could muster would begin to comfort the millions of fans who idolized worshiped and adored Ace, the man and the legend, and make their pain go away,” Vincent said.
He reflected on the ironic circumstances that led him to replace Frehley in KISS. At the time, he had little familiarity with the band’s music.
“Ace’s passing brought me back many long miles away to the beginning of my own journey, strangely replacing Ace in KISS, a band who’s music i knew little about, aside from a few radio singles, and had no fan interest in, aside from the magnitude of their massive success, yet I wanted it more than life itself,” he continued. “Yet in the strangest twist of irony, I found myself replacing Ace, as KISS guitarist in an ‘odd couple gone berserk sitcom’ like setting.”
Vincent recalled his only early encounter with Frehley in 1982 at the video shoot for “I Love It Loud.” He co-wrote the song with Gene Simmons.
“I remember knocking on Ace’s door to his dressing room to introduce myself and say hi. I was nervous meeting the bigger than life legend himself,” Vincent said. “His only words to me were ‘Hey kid. Good luck. You’re gonna need it.’ He was more right than he could have imagined. We shook hands and wished each other luck and said goodbye.”
The two guitarists reconnected decades later at a 2022 KISS legacy show in Nashville. Vincent said they finally bonded during that event.
“Suddenly it all changed in 2022. Ace and I shared a belated moment of bonding that felt good. Real good. No pretense. We liked each other,” he said. “It was a weekend I will forever remember fondly shared with Bruce Kulick, Ace, Peter Criss and myself as band members coming together for the first time in support of our individual legacy.”
Vincent concluded his tribute by celebrating Frehley’s enduring impact on rock music and his fans.
“Ace brought the gift of everlasting childhood to all the fans who loved him. Everyone felt that way about Ace from rockstars music gear companies and fans alike. Everyone loved him. Ace was the every man rock star,” Vincent said. “I’m forever proud and grateful to have shared the same KISS ‘forever legacy’ as Ace….we were one f*cking hell of a great band. Cheers, my friend. You will be sorely missed by everyone and by me. I will hurt as I am hurting now.”
Frehley’s death marks a significant loss for the rock music community. He was the first founding member of KISS to pass away. The legendary guitarist died at age 74 in October 2025. He left behind a legacy that influenced generations of rock musicians.
Parade reported that Frehley passed away from complications related to a brain bleed caused by a fall in his Manhattan recording studio in late September 2025. He was hospitalized and placed on life support around October 16, 2025. He died peacefully in New Jersey surrounded by loved ones.
In the weeks leading up to his death, 6ABC noted that Frehley had canceled several tour dates and performances due to ongoing health issues. His team cited medical reasons for cancellations as recently as late September. His prognosis was described as “not good” at that time. His family was reportedly considering end-of-life decisions.
Frehley was known as “The Spaceman” for his iconic makeup and persona. He was a key architect of KISS’s signature sound and stage presence. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with KISS in 2014. After leaving KISS in the 1980s, he formed Frehley’s Comet and continued a successful solo career. He released albums up to 2024.
The guitarist’s influence extended far beyond his time with KISS. His innovative playing style and memorable stage presence helped define the sound of 1970s rock music. He inspired countless musicians who followed. His death represents the end of an era for rock fans who grew up with KISS’s larger-than-life performances and unforgettable music.
