Rock fans around the world raised their flags this week with the news that Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley passed away at the age of 74. On Friday, music lovers reflect on Frehley’s spectacular legacy as the electrifying lead guitarist of Kiss , his cosmic persona playing a lead part in propelling the band to global stardom as pioneers of theatrical rock .

Frehley's life changed in 1972 when he responded to an ad placed in NYC’s Village Voice , seeking a lead guitarist with "flash and ability." Driven to the audition by his mother, he met Gene Simmons , Paul Stanley , and Peter Criss . Joining them to form Kiss, Frehley crafted his own "Space Ace" persona, helping establish the band as rock’s leading theatrical act.

The band’s iconic “Spaceman” was inspired by Frehley's obses

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