KISS Honours Ace Frehley at 2025 Kennedy Center Honors
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At the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors ceremony on December 7, 2025, the founding members of KISS, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss, were celebrated for their contributions to music. During the event, Stanley and Criss took a moment to remember their late bandmate, Ace Frehley, who passed away at the age of 74 in October of that year.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Criss expressed the band’s commitment to carrying on Frehley’s legacy, despite their physical separation. He shared, “We’ll all carry it forever because we’re really not together anymore. We’re all separated.” Stanley echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the enduring impact that Frehley had on the band and their fans. He stated, “The fans carry on his legacy, and I feel he’s here in spirit.”
The loss of Frehley, who died from blunt trauma injuries to the head following a fall, was deeply felt by his family and the music community. Frehley’s family released a statement to PEOPLE confirming his passing and expressing their devastation. They recalled surrounding him with love and peaceful intentions in his final moments, cherishing his memories, laughter, strengths, and kindness.
Reflecting on the enduring impact of artists, Stanley emphasised the timeless nature of the arts, noting that individuals like Frehley continue to live on through their work. He underscored the reciprocal relationship between artists and their fans, highlighting the mutual appreciation and dedication that exists within the music industry.
The Kennedy Center Honors provided a platform for KISS to pay tribute to Frehley and celebrate their collective achievements as a band. Despite the sombre occasion, Stanley emphasised the importance of simultaneously mourning Frehley’s passing and recognising the band’s successes. He spoke of feeling Frehley’s presence in spirit, resonating with the sentiment that artists continue to inspire and influence long after they are gone.
As the band navigates this period of loss, they are drawing strength from their connection with their fans. Stanley articulated the deep gratitude he feels towards KISS supporters, acknowledging that their dedication and support have been instrumental in the band’s success. He highlighted the reciprocal nature of fan-artist relationships, emphasising the profound impact that fans have on shaping artists’ lives and careers.
In the wake of Frehley’s passing, the music community continues to honour his memory and legacy. The Morris County Medical Examiner’s report confirmed the cause of Frehley’s death as accidental blunt trauma injuries sustained in a fall. As KISS forges ahead without their beloved bandmate, they carry with them the spirit of Frehley and the enduring impact of his contributions to music.
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors served as a poignant reminder of Frehley’s enduring legacy within the music industry and the hearts of his bandmates and fans. Despite the physical absence of the iconic guitarist, his spirit lives on through his music and the memories shared by those who knew and loved him. As KISS continues to honour his memory, they do so with gratitude for the impact he had on their lives and the music world as a whole.