The recent death of Ace Frehley, the original “Spaceman” guitarist of the iconic band KISS, has reignited interest in his dramatic and storied journey with the group. His departure wasn’t a mere one-time event but a series of exits, each sparked by internal conflicts and creative disagreements.

Diving into his history, one uncovers a tangled web of clashing egos, personal battles, and a long-standing feud that persisted even after his passing.

Creative Differences Led To Ace Frehley’s Initial KISS Departure

Frehley’s initial exit from KISS in 1982 stemmed from growing creative frustrations. He found himself increasingly at odds with the band’s evolving musical style as they transitioned from their signature 1970s rock sound to the slicker productions of the 1980s. His involvement in the albums “Killers” and “Creatures of the Night” was minimal, as he was already contemplating departure. The success of his 1978 solo album, which included the hit “New York Groove,” bolstered his confidence to seek a solo career. He expressed that this achievement helped him realize he was “more creative away from Paul, Gene, and Peter.” Despite efforts by Paul Stanley to persuade him otherwise, Frehley chose to leave, asserting it was of his “own free will.”

Substance Abuse And Control Fueled the KISS Internal Feud

The public narrative surrounding Frehley’s exits became a central point of dispute. While Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley frequently claimed that Ace was dismissed due to issues with “drugs, alcohol, bad behavior, [and] being unprofessional,” Frehley persistently refuted these allegations. He maintained that he left of his own accord and accused Simmons and Stanley of being “control freaks” and “untrustworthy,” fostering a toxic work environment.

Frehley also contended that Simmons’s public remarks about his substance abuse, even after achieving sobriety, cost him millions of dollars. The conflict wasn’t one-sided; Frehley hurled serious accusations at Simmons, including an allegation of inappropriate conduct towards his wife.

The KISS Guitarist Never Reconciled With Paul Stanley

Though Frehley hinted that he had “buried the hatchet” with Gene Simmons, viewing them as “closest” and “just like brothers,” his relationship with Paul Stanley remained strained. Tensions escalated following a 2023 interview where Stanley quipped that the original KISS lineup sounded more like “Piss.”

A deeply insulted Frehley demanded an apology, to which Stanley reportedly responded with a profanity-laced refusal and hung up the phone. Frehley noted that prior to that clash, they would speak several times a year, but the incident left them estranged.

Bandmates Paid Tribute After The Rock Legend’s Passing

Following the announcement of Ace Frehley’s death on October 16, 2025, his former bandmates shared public tributes. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons issued a joint statement saying they were “devastated” and acknowledging Frehley as “an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier” in KISS’s history and legacy.

I remember 1974 being in my room at the Hyatt on Sunset in LA and I heard someone playing deep and fiery guitar in the room next door. I thought “Boy, I wish THAT guy was in the band!” I looked over the balcony… He was. It was Ace. This is my favorite photo of us… pic.twitter.com/3ojMXqVkQr

— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) October 17, 2025

Original drummer Peter Criss expressed his shock and grief, simply posting, “I’m shocked!!! My friend… I love you!” The rock world at large also mourned, with tributes from figures like Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, who credited Frehley and KISS for inspiring him to pick up a guitar.

Ace Frehley’s Legacy As A KISS Founding Member Endures

Ace Frehley’s impact as a founding member of KISS is indelible. He co-created the band in 1973 and was the iconic “Spaceman” until his first departure in 1982, playing on the band’s first nine albums. His influence extended to generations of guitar players, with musicians like Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine calling him his “first guitar hero.”

Despite the acrimony of his later years with the band, his former replacements, including Tommy Thayer and Bruce Kulick, paid their respects, with Thayer honoring the “legend who will never be forgotten” and Kulick affirming his “undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS.”