Kiss’ Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready and More Remember Ace Frehley: ‘An Essential and Irreplaceable Rock Soldier’

The rock world is mourning the death of Kiss co-founder and legendary lead guitarist Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer died after sustaining injuries in a fall last month, his family confirmed Thursday, sparking an outpouring of grief across the music community.

In a statement, Frehley’s bandmates, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons said: “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.”

Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready penned a remembrance shared via Pearl Jam’s official social media accounts. In his post, McCready credits Frehley and Kiss for influencing him to pick up a guitar.

Tool frontman, Maynard James Keenan, paid his respects on Instagram with an edited childhood photo of himself wearing Frehley’s iconic makeup. “Godspeed, Ace,” Keenan captioned the post.