KISS Honors Ace Frehley With a Candlelit Tribute at Their Vegas Kickoff Show
KISS opened their three-night Kiss Kruise: Land-Locked in Vegas residency at Virgin Hotels with a powerful and emotional tribute to their late guitarist, Ace Frehley. The moment marked a heartfelt remembrance of the iconic musician, who passed away last month at age 74 after a fall at his home.
Before the show began, fans were handed electric candles, transforming the venue into a soft, glowing sea of light. As the crowd settled, Paul Stanley stepped forward to acknowledge the profound loss:
“Before we get going, we just wanted to take a moment to think about somebody who was at the foundation of this band. We’re talking about Ace. Why don’t we take a moment, a little quiet, think about him looking down on us — from [the planet] Jendell, probably — let’s have a moment for Ace. Candles up.”
The audience lifted their candles, creating a moving tribute that honored Frehley’s unmatched impact on the band’s history.
A Return to the Stage After the Farewell Tour
The outdoor acoustic performance marked KISS’s first time onstage together since concluding their farewell tour in 2023. While the opening night was more reflective and intimate—fitting for the tribute—the band promised a full-throttle, electric show for Saturday’s performance. Fans eagerly awaited the high-energy set, knowing it would follow the emotional tribute with the intensity KISS is known for.
Remembering a Rock Legend
Ace Frehley’s passing in October deeply affected both the band and fans worldwide. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons released a joint statement honoring their former bandmate:
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative, foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique, and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Former KISS drummer Peter Criss shared his own emotional message:
“With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well.”
Through candlelight, music, and a shared silence, fans honored the man whose guitar riffs, personality, and legacy helped define KISS’s identity. Even in his absence, Ace’s spirit continues to shine brightly—through the band he helped build, the music he created, and the millions of fans whose lives he touched.
