KISS Honour Ace Frehley At First Show Since His Death

KISS have paid tribute to Ace Frehley at their first show since his death, leading fans in a moment of silence.

KISS returned to the stage for the first time since the death of founding guitarist Ace Frehley, opening their KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas event on Friday with a tribute to the late Spaceman. Frehley died on October 16 at age 74 from injuries sustained in a fall, a loss that resonated throughout the rock world and within the band’s own history.

Before KISS’ performance began, Paul Stanley addressed the crowd gathered. “Obviously, before we get going – and we’re going to have an awesome time – we just wanted to take a moment to think about somebody who was at the foundation of this band. And we’re talking about Ace,” Stanley said.

He continued by acknowledging their complicated past. “We certainly had differences, but that’s what family is about. Why don’t we take a moment, little quiet, and think about him looking down on us – from [the planet] Jendell, probably – and let’s have a moment for Ace.”

The audience fell silent before breaking into a chant of “Ace! Ace! Ace!” while holding up plastic candles at Stanley’s request. It was KISS’ first opportunity to publicly acknowledge Frehley’s passing in front of fans since the news was confirmed.

KISS frontman Gene Simmons had responded to Frehley’s death shortly after it was announced, saying, “Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”

Though KISS officially ended their touring era with their farewell show at Madison Square Garden, the current lineup of Simmons, Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer planned a temporary return to the stage for the Las Vegas edition of the KISS Kruise. The band appeared without their full makeup and stage production for this run of performances.

“Here we are. No ship,” Stanley joked after the tribute. “Next year, what do you say we do this on a cruise again?” KISS opened the night with “Comin’ Home,” co-written by Stanley and Frehley, marking a fitting start to a show built around reflection and remembrance.