Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss, died from blunt force injuries to the head that he suffered in a fall earlier this year, an autopsy has determined.
Frehley died peacefully on 16 October surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, a few weeks after the fall occurred, according to his agent.
The Morris county medical examiner’s office determined that Frehley’s death was an accident. The report said Frehley, 74, suffered facial fractures near the eyes and left ear and also had bruising on his left abdomen and thigh area and his right hip and upper thigh.
Kiss, whose hits included Rock and Roll All Nite and I Was Made for Lovin’ You, were known for their theatrical stage shows, with fire and fake blood spewing from the mouths of band members dressed in body armor, platform boots, wigs and signature black and white face paint.
Kiss’s original lineup included Frehley, singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, tongue-wagging bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss. Frehley’s is the first death among the four founding members.
Frehley inspired a generation of guitarists and performed on Kiss’s first nine albums. His death was announced by his family last month, with his loved ones declaring themselves collectively “completely devastated and heartbroken” and his death almost incomprehensible.
“Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!” the family statement said, in part.
Band members took on the personas of comic book-style characters – Frehley was known as Space Ace and the Spaceman. The New York-born entertainer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer often experimented with pyrotechnics, making his guitars glow and shoot fireworks.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley, he grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at age 13. Before joining Kiss, he played in local bands around New York City and was a roadie for Jimi Hendrix at age 18.
Kiss were especially popular in the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and licensing its iconic look to become a marketing marvel.
The Associated Press contributed reporting
