Ace Frehley: The Spaceman Who Fell to Earth (& Is Still Rocking)
You know the iconic face paint: the silver, the stars, the mystery. You’ve air-guitared to the explosive solo in Shock Me.Ace Frehley, the original Spaceman from KISS, is a rock and roll legend who has lived a life as electrifying as his guitar riffs. But what ever happened to the man behind the makeup?
From his meteoric rise in the hottest band in the world to his very public falls from grace and his triumphant comebacks, Ace’s story is a wild ride. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, Is Ace Frehley still alive? or What is Frehley Ace doing today? you’ve come to the right place.
We’re diving deep into the life, career, and enduring legacy of the one and only Frehley Ace . Get ready for a journey to the stars and back.
Blast Off: The Early Life of a Future Spaceman
Long before he was The Spaceman, he was Paul Daniel Frehley, a kid from the Bronx with a dream and a rebellious streak. Born on April 27, 1951, Ace’s path to rock stardom wasn’t exactly straightforward.
- A Musical Calling: Ace’s life changed forever when he heard The Beatles and saw The Rolling Stones on TV. He got his first guitar at 13, and despite being naturally left-handed, he learned to play right-handed. Talk about dedication!
- The (Not-So-Glamorous) Day Jobs: Before the fame and fortune, Ace was just a guy trying to make ends meet. And yes, the rumor is true! Ace Frehley did work as a plumber’s assistant for a brief, unglamorous period. He’s also said to have driven a cab and worked in a shoe store. It’s a humble beginning that makes his rock god status even sweeter.
The KISS Army is Formed: Ace Joins the Hottest Band in the Land
In 1972, everything changed. Ace answered a Guitarist Wanted ad in the Village Voice placed by two ambitious musicians named Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
- The Audition That Changed Rock: Legend has it that Ace showed up wearing one red and one orange sneaker. His look was unkempt, but the moment he plugged in his guitar and let it rip, Gene and Paul knew they had found their man. His raw, powerful style was the perfect counterpoint to their vision.
- Creating The Spaceman: Each member of KISS was given a character. Ace, with his quiet, otherworldly demeanor, was a natural fit for The Spaceman. The character allowed his quiet mystique to speak volumes on stage, often letting his guitar do the talking.
Stardom, Solos, and Shock Therapy: The KISS Years
Throughout the 70s, KISS became a global phenomenon. Ace wasn’t just the guitarist; he was a crucial part of the songwriting and a fan favorite.
- His Signature Songs: While Gene and Paul were the primary frontmen, Ace’s lead vocal turns became some of KISS’s most beloved tracks. He sang Shock Me, Rocket Ride, New York Groove, and Talk to Me, bringing a cooler, more laid-back rock vibe to the band’s anthems.
- The Shock Me Incident: The song Shock Me was inspired by a real-life event! Ace Frehley was electrocuted on stage in 1976 when he touched a ungrounded metal ladder. He was knocked unconscious but recovered. He turned the near-death experience into one of his biggest hits.
- The Original Solo Albums: In a brilliant marketing move, all four KISS members released solo albums on the same day in 1978. Ace Frehley’s solo album was the runaway commercial and critical success, going platinum and proving his star power outside the band.
Why Did the Spaceman Leave? Ace’s Exit from KISS
The high-flying life of a rock star in the 70s came with its pitfalls. Ace has been very open about his struggles with alcohol and drug abuse during this time. The constant touring, internal tensions, and his addictions took their toll.
- The First Departure: By the early 80s, Ace was burned out. Ace Frehley left KISS in 1982, a move that shocked fans. He was replaced by Vinnie Vincent.
- A Brief Return and Final Farewell: Ace rejoined KISS in 1996 for the massively successful Alive/Worldwide reunion tour, where the original four members donned their classic makeup for the first time in years. It was a magical moment for fans. However, the old tensions resurfaced, and Ace Frehley was fired from KISS (for the final time) in 2002 after showing up to rehearsals in what he and the band described as a less-than-optimal condition.
Life After the Makeup: What Is Ace Frehley Doing Now?
So, is Ace Frehley still making music? Is he sober? Is he still the rock star we remember? Let’s catch up with the Spaceman today.
- A Thriving Solo Career: Ace never stopped making music. He has released several well-received solo albums, including Anomaly (2009) and Origins Vol. 1 & 2. He tours consistently, bringing his classic hits to loyal fans across the country. Yes, Ace Frehley does have an opening act on his tours, often featuring up-and-coming rock bands.
- The Sobriety Journey: This is a question fans ask with care: Is Ace Frehley sober? Ace has been transparent about his past addictions and his path to recovery. He has been sober for many years now, a fact he credits with saving his life and revitalizing his career.
- The Royalty Question: A burning question for many is, Does Ace Frehley get royalties from KISS? The answer is a resounding yes. As a founding member and co-writer on many of their biggest hits, he continues to earn significant royalties from album sales, streaming, and merchandise featuring his likeness. This is a key part of his net worth.
Beyond the Stage: Ace’s Personal Life Unveiled
Behind the guitar hero is a man with a family and a life outside of the spotlight.
- Is Frehley Ace Married? Ace’s love life has seen its share of headlines. He has been married twice. He was first married to Jeanette Trerotola from 1976 to 1991. After a long engagement, he married Frehley Aces wife, Rachel Gordon, in 2021.
- Does Frehley Ace Have Any Children? Yes! Fans often ask, Does Frehley Ace have a daughter? He has one child, a daughter named Monique Frehley, from his first marriage. He keeps his family life relatively private.
- Where Does Frehley Ace Live Now? After years of living in the spotlight, the Spaceman has settled down. Frehley Ace lives now in a more low-key setting, reportedly splitting his time between New York and California.
The Legend, The Look, The Lingo: Answering Your Burning Questions
You asked, and we’re answering! Here’s a quick-fire FAQ on all things Ace.
Q: Is Ace Frehley a good guitarist?
A: Absolutely. While he may not be a technical virtuoso like Eddie Van Halen, Ace’s power is in his feel and raw, melodic style. His solos on songs like Shock Me and Parasite are iconic. He is widely respected as a hugely influential rock guitarist.
Q: Are Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons friends?
A: This is the million-dollar question! The relationship has been famously rocky for decades. While there is undeniable respect for what they built together, they are not close friends. Public spats are common, but time has softened some of the edges. The same goes for his relationships with Paul Stanley and Peter Criss—there’s a bond of shared history, but the classic KISS lineup is not hanging out on weekends.
Q: What is Ace Frehley’s net worth?
A: Celebrity Net Worth and other sources estimate Ace Frehley’s net worth to be around $20 million. This comes from his KISS royalties, his successful solo tours, album sales, and merchandise from his own brand.
Q: Does Ace Frehley wear a wig?
A: A fun and common question! In the 70s, that magnificent mane was all his. Today, Ace has been open about the fact that he wears a hairpiece. He has joked about it in interviews, showing he doesn’t take himself too seriously.
Q: Is Ace Frehley a Trump supporter? / Does Ace Frehley support Trump?
A: Ace has largely kept his political views private. He has not made any major public endorsements, so his specific political leanings are not officially known.
Q: What does Ace Frehley look like now?
A: The Spaceman is now a cool, sharp-dressing rocker in his 70s! He’s often seen in leather jackets, sunglasses, and, of course, his signature top hat. He looks healthy, happy, and still every bit the rock star.
The Spaceman’s Enduring Legacy
From a plumber’s assistant in the Bronx to a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Ace Frehley’s journey is a testament to raw talent, perseverance, and the transformative power of rock and roll. He’s a survivor who faced down his demons and came out stronger on the other side, guitar still in hand.
Today, Ace Frehley is not just a relic of rock’s glorious past; he’s an active, thriving artist who continues to create and perform for the fans who have loved him for nearly five decades. The Spaceman is very much alive, and his guitar is still smoking.