Ace Frehley, hailing from the Bronx, is celebrated as one of the premier metal guitarists in history.

In 1973, he teamed up with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss to launch Kiss in New York City. The band, renowned for their bold black-and-white face paint, extravagant costumes, and electrifying guitar riffs, captivated global audiences with iconic hits such as “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” “Black Diamond,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” and “Lick It Up.”

What began as a rock band swiftly evolved into a cultural icon and enduring legacy, earning recognition as one of the most influential music groups ever.

Over the years, Kiss saw various lineup changes. Frehley first departed in 1982 to establish his own band, Frehley’s Comet.

Venturing into a solo career, he achieved success with tracks like “New York Groove” in 1978 and “Rock Soldiers” in 1987.

The musician, often referred to as the Spaceman, rejoined Kiss in 1996, thrilling fans with a highly successful reunion tour. He parted ways with the band again in 2002, concluding his reunion stint with a performance at the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The original four Kiss members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Music never stopped for Frehley. Last year, he released his solo album “10,000 Volts,” which topped Billboard’s hard music and rock album charts.

Born Paul Daniel Frehley to a musical family, he was self taught — and went on to inspire millions with his guitar prowess.

“I’ve never taken a lesson, and my sense of melody came from singing in the church choir. So, whatever I have, it can’t be taught. You’ve gotta have it in you. Either you’ve got it, or you’ve got nothing at all,” Frehley told Guitar World last year.

Frehley was married once, to Jeanette Trerotola in 1976, with whom he shares a daughter Monique, according to People Magazine.

Frehley’s friends and fellow musicians remembered him and his influence.

Radio personality Eddie Trunk remembered Frehley as a friend of 40 years.

“This is beyond words for me on many levels. My condolences to Jeanette, Monique and all the fellow fans,” he wrote on X.

Megadeath bassist David Ellefson shared photos with Frehley on Facebook saying, “What an icon … and what an influence to generations like me. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for his groundbreaking guitar work and larger-than-life presence throughout all his years in KISS.”

Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready wrote on X: “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. Thank you.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame remembered Frehley as “one of the most recognizable and influential guitarists of all time.”

“Known for his distinctive licks, flashy pyrotechnics, and his alter ego — the ‘Spaceman’ — Frehley also contributed lead vocals on songs such as ‘Shock Me’ and ‘Rocket Ride,’ and he wrote or co-wrote such memorable, riff-driven songs as ‘Cold Gin’ and ‘Parasite.’ When the four members of KISS all put out solo albums in 1978, Frehley’s was the biggest seller, driven by the hit single ‘New York Groove,’” the statement said.