Ace Frehley biography — age, net worth, education, wife, early life, career with KISS and solo work, cause of death, and his enduring impact on rock music.
Ace Frehley — born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951 — was a legendary American rock guitarist, singer and songwriter, best known as the original “Spaceman” of the iconic band KISS. With his inventive riffs, theatrical stage persona and unmistakable guitar tone, Frehley helped shape the sound and image of hard rock in the 1970s and beyond. His journey from the Bronx to global rock stardom is a testament to raw talent, determination, and resilience.
Frehley’s influence spanned decades — from classic KISS albums to successful solo ventures and collaborations. Despite personal and health challenges, his commitment to music never wavered. The news of his passing in October 2025 marked the end of an era, but his legacy remains powerful. This biography delves into his early life, education, career milestones, personal life, net worth and final days to provide a complete picture of a rock icon.
Highlights of This Biography
- Full Name: Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley
- Date of Birth: April 27, 1951
- Date of Death: October 16, 2025 (aged 74)
- Profession: Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, Founding Member of KISS
- Net Worth: Estimated US $1-2 million
- Education: High School of Art and Design (Manhattan) — dropped out but later earned diploma
- Spouse: Formerly married to Jeanette Trerotola
- Notable Works: With KISS — Destroyer, Alive!, Love Gun. Solo — “New York Groove”, 10,000 Volts.
Early Life
Ace Frehley was born and raised in The Bronx, New York City. The youngest of three children, he grew up in a working-class family with strong musical leanings—his parents and siblings played instruments and shared live music experiences together. At age 13, Frehley received his first electric guitar, sparking a lifelong devotion to the instrument.
School didn’t come easy for Frehley; he attended the High School of Art and Design but struggled with discipline and dropped out at 17 to focus on music. His teenage years were filled with local bands, hard-earned gigs and the growing ambition to break into rock music. The early exposure to New York’s vibrant rock and blues scenes shaped his sound and forged his path toward international success.
Education
Formal education for Ace Frehley was limited. While he enrolled at the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan, he left before graduating full-time to pursue music. He later returned to obtain his diploma. Beyond that, his learning was largely self-taught: countless hours of practice, experimentation with gear and stagecraft, and immersion in the era’s major rock acts. His lack of formal music school training never hindered him—his instinctive style became his signature.
Career / Professional Journey
Rise with KISS
In 1973, Frehley answered an ad placed by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons looking for a lead guitarist. His audition secured the role, and soon the band KISS was born with Ace on lead guitar and backing vocals. Known for their flamboyant costumes, face-paint and pyrotechnics, KISS soared in popularity. Frehley’s guitar work on albums like KISS (1974), Hotter Than Hell (1974), Dressed to Kill (1975), Destroyer (1976) and Love Gun (1977) defined the band’s signature sound.
His standout solo album, released in 1978 alongside his bandmates’ solo projects, featured the hit cover “New York Groove” and confirmed his commercial strength outside the band.
Solo Career & Beyond
After leaving KISS in 1982 due to creative differences and personal issues, Frehley formed his own group, Frehley’s Comet, and released successful albums in the late 1980s. He rejoined KISS in 1996 for a major reunion tour, which lasted until 2002, then devoted the rest of his career to solo work.
Notable solo albums include:
- Anomaly (2009)
- Space Invader (2014) — reached the Top 10 on the Billboard 200
- 10,000 Volts (2024) — his final studio album
Across his career, Frehley recorded and toured internationally, collaborated with major artists, influenced countless guitarists and maintained a distinctive presence in rock culture.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Despite rock-star fame, Frehley’s net worth was estimated modestly at around US $1-2 million. Various factors contributed: changing music industry economics, health issues, and periods of lower commercial activity. Nonetheless, he earned from album sales, touring, songwriting royalties and merchandise.
His lifestyle in later years was quieter—focused on recording, select performances and mentoring younger artists. He remained active creatively even as he faced medical and personal challenges.
Personal Life
Ace Frehley was married to Jeanette Trerotola in the 1970s. The couple had a daughter, Monique. Their marriage ended, and Frehley remained single in later years, focusing his energy on music and personal growth. He publicly battled addiction but achieved sobriety, crediting his daughter’s faith in him as a turning point.
He was known for his signature “Spaceman” persona—silver makeup covering one eye, smoking guitars and theatrical solos—yet offstage he was introspective and down-to-earth, always emphasizing authenticity over image.
Death
On September 25, 2025, Frehley suffered a fall in his home studio, resulting in a brain bleed. He was hospitalised, placed on life support and unable to recover. On October 16, 2025, Ace Frehley passed away at age 74 in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by family. He was the first of KISS’s original lineup to die. His passing prompted tributes from rock communities worldwide and reaffirmed the magnitude of his contribution to music.
Conclusion
Ace Frehley’s life was a remarkable journey—from a teenage guitarist in the Bronx to one of rock’s most iconic figures. His distinctive style, stagecraft and creative vision helped define an era. While his net worth may appear modest compared to his legendary status, his cultural and musical legacy is immense. His story is one of raw talent, reinvention and resilience. Though he is gone, his music and influence continue to inspire new generations of guitarists and rock fans.
FAQs About Ace Frehley Biography
What was Ace Frehley’s net worth?
It was estimated to be around US $1-2 million at the time of his death.
How old was Ace Frehley when he died?
He was 74 years old, passing on October 16, 2025.
Did Ace Frehley have a wife or children?
He was formerly married to Jeanette Trerotola and they had a daughter, Monique.
What education did Ace Frehley have?
He attended the High School of Art and Design in New York but gravitated early into music and left formal education to pursue his career.
What is Ace Frehley known for?
He is known as the founding lead guitarist of KISS, creator of the “Spaceman” persona, and solo artist with hits like “New York Groove.”
What caused Ace Frehley’s death?
He died from complications following a fall that led to a brain bleed and life-support treatment in late 2025.
How has Ace Frehley influenced music?
He inspired generations of guitarists with his bold style, flamboyant stage presence and willingness to push rock boundaries—his influence spans rock, metal and hard-rock genres.