KISS Honors Ace Frehley With Candlelit Tribute at ‘Unmasked’ KISS Kruise Show in Las Vegas
The KISS Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas kicked off on November 14 with an emotional tribute to the band’s late co-founder, Ace Frehley, who passed away at the age of 74 in October. The surviving members of KISS, including Paul Stanley, took a moment before their performance to honor Frehley, affectionately known as the “Spaceman.” Stanley addressed the crowd, reflecting on Frehley’s integral role in the band’s history, stating, “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.” This heartfelt acknowledgment set the tone for the evening, as fans joined in a moment of silence followed by a chant of “Ace! Ace! Ace!” in a powerful display of collective remembrance.
Frehley’s sudden death, attributed to injuries from an accidental fall, left a significant void in the KISS family. His family expressed their devastation in a statement, emphasizing the love and support surrounding him in his final moments. The tribute was particularly poignant as it marked KISS’s first performance since Frehley’s passing and their first since concluding their End of the Road Tour in December 2023. The “unmasked” concert not only celebrated Frehley’s legacy but also highlighted the enduring bond among the band members, despite past differences. As the audience held up electric candles in tribute, it became clear that Frehley’s spirit would continue to resonate with fans and fellow bandmates alike, reminding everyone of the lasting impact he had on rock music and the KISS legacy.
The surviving members of
KISS
paid tribute to their late bandmate Ace Frehley during the opening performance of their three-day KISS Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas on Friday (Nov. 14).
Before launching into the “unmasked” set, Paul Stanley shared heartfelt words about the late Spaceman, who
died at age 74
in October.
Related
Ace Frehley’s Biggest Billboard Hits, With KISS & Beyond
Ace Frehley, KISS Co-Founder & Guitar Hero, Dies at 74
‘Godspeed, Ace’: Ace Frehley Mourned by KISS Bandmate Gene Simmons, Bret Michaels, Tom Morello, Pearl Jam & More
“Obviously, before we get going — and we’re going to have an awesome time — we just wanted to take a moment to think about about somebody who was at the foundation of this band. And we’re talking about Ace,” Stanley
told the crowd
.
“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 Jendell, probably — and let’s have a moment for Ace.”
After a brief silent tribute, the audience outside Virgin Hotels chanted ‘Ace! Ace! Ace!’ as Stanley encouraged fans to hold up electric candles in honor of their former bandmate.
The “unmasked” concert marked KISS’ first show since Frehley’s passing on Oct. 16, and their first performance since wrapping their End of the Road Tour with a two-night stand at New York City’s Madison Square Garden in December 2023. The “Kiss Army Storms Vegas” event was
first announced
in March.
Frehley, the band’s co-founder and iconic guitarist, died suddenly last month after suffering injuries from an accidental fall.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” the musician’s family
said in a statement
announcing his death. “In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.”
