Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Pearl Jam mourn Kiss founding member Ace Frehley

(AP) - Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, has died. He was 74.

Frehley’s agent says he died peacefully Thursday surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall.

Family members say in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others. Kiss’ hits included “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.”

Kiss was known for theatrical stage shows with fireworks, smoking instruments and fake blood. Band members famously wore body armor, platform boots, wigs and their signature black-and-white face paint.

The music world is mourning his death, calling Frehley an irreplaceable part of the band’s legacy.

The Kennedy Center, where Frehley was an honoree, plans to pay tribute to his legacy at their December ceremony. Frehley’s influence and impact are deeply felt across the industry.

Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons

“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.” — the founding members of Kiss said in a statement.

Pearl Jam

“I heard about Ace Frehley‘s passing from Rick Friel who I played with in a band called Shadow. Rick was also the first guy on the bus in 1977 with a KISS lunchbox to tell me about Ace…just changed my life. I got a guitar in 1978 to join Rick‘s band Warrior which turned into Shadow. We covered “C’mon and Love Me”. All my friends have spent untold hours talking about KISS and buying KISS stuff. Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly over the years… I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS’s influence. RIP it out Ace, you changed my life.” — Mike McCready, founding member and lead guitarist on X.

Bret Michaels

“Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time. All my love and respect, from my family and myself - may you rest in peace!!!” - the former Poison frontman on X.

Maynard James Keenan

“Godspeed, Ace.” the Tool frontman on Instagram.

Nile Rodgers

“Ace RIP was the 1st person I met when we were forming CHIC! @KISS were playing at a spot called Le Jardin. Without his makeup nobody recognized him as he sat at my table. Only a few minutes before the crowd were losing their shit over him. I learned a lot that night. Truly historic #rock " — the musician and co-founder of the disco band Chic on X.

Tom Morello

“My first guitar hero, Ace Frehley, has passed away. The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n roll and love rock n roll guitar playing. His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten. Thank you, Ace for a lifetime of great music and memories.” — on Instagram.

The Kennedy Center

“The Kennedy Center is saddened to hear of the passing of one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees, Ace Frehley of the band KISS. ... We will be paying tribute to this “rock soldier”, his work, and his legacy at our ceremony in December.” — on X.