Ace Frehley Rocks ‘Deuce’ and ‘New York Groove’ in Epic Final Performance

## The Loss of a Rock Legend

The music community is currently grieving the loss of Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, who tragically passed away on October 16 following a fall at his residence. This news has deeply affected fans and band members alike.

### Remembering a Rock Pioneer

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley released a heartfelt statement expressing their sorrow: “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.”

Frehley joined Kiss during their early concerts in 1973 and contributed to the band’s rise until 1982. He left due to substance abuse struggles, creative differences, and ongoing tension with Simmons and Stanley. However, he made a celebrated return in 1996 for their reunion tour, departing again in 2002 after the initial farewell tour.

### Final Performances and Appearances

The original members of Kiss last shared a stage during their 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, although they didn’t perform that night. In 2018, Frehley teamed up with the current lineup to play several songs during the Kiss Kruise on Halloween, marking his final performance with the band. Earlier that same year, he toured Australia alongside Simmons, concluding each show with a few classic Kiss tracks.

Frehley spent the last twenty years touring across the United States with his solo band, predominantly performing songs from the Kiss catalog. He occasionally showcased solo favorites like “Cherry Medicine,” “Rock Soldiers,” “Rip It Out,” and his famous rendition of “New York Groove.”

His last gig took place on September 5, 2025, at the Uptown Theater in Providence, Rhode Island. Fan footage captured him opening with “Deuce” and including the iconic “New York Groove” in the setlist. As the night concluded with “Rock and Roll All Nite,” Frehley humorously remarked, “This next song, if you haven’t heard it, you’re probably an alien, because everyone has heard this song even if you’re not a Kiss fan or an Ace fan.”

### Health Challenges and Future Events

Later in September, Frehley canceled a performance at the Antelope Valley Fair after suffering a fall that resulted in a hospital visit. Shortly after, he withdrew from all remaining tour dates due to ongoing health issues.

Kiss is preparing for their first concert since wrapping up their 2023 farewell tour at the Kiss Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas event on November 14 at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. Though the band hasn’t disclosed specific plans for their performance, they announced that they would not be in full makeup and would perform a mix of acoustic and electric songs.

Fans had hoped Frehley and drummer Peter Criss would join the event to provide a proper farewell, a gesture now rendered impossible. Still, it’s likely that the band will pay tribute to Frehley’s unforgettable contributions.

Have you ever attended a concert that left a lasting impact on you?