When Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of Kiss, was reported dead at 74, fans gasped, but the story quickly unraveled as a hoax.

The claim surfaced on Kerrang.com – a UK‑based music news outlet owned by BandLab Technologies – with a headline that read, “KISS legend and guitar icon Ace Frehley has died aged 74.” The article timestamp showed October 17, 2025, 11:26 AM UTC, yet it lacked any details about when or where the alleged death occurred, and no official comment accompanied the piece.

Background on a rock legend

Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, in The Bronx, New York, he co‑founded Kiss in 1973, adopting the flamboyant “Spaceman” persona that became a staple of the band's theatrical shows. Over a career spanning five decades, he’s sold more than 100 million records, earned a Grammy nomination, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 – an event held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, officiated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame itself.

Beyond Kiss, Frehley launched Frehley’s Comet in the late ’80s and released a string of solo albums, the most recent being *10,000 Volts* on February 23 2024 via eOne Music. Guitar World ranked him the 14th greatest metal guitarist of all time, a nod to his signature Les Paul that spits smoke and flashes lights in sync with his riffs.

The false Kerrang.com report

Pages of the original Kerrang piece vanished from public view within hours, and attempts to retrieve the full text returned a dead link. No other major outlet – BBC News, Rolling Stone, The New York Times – echoed the story. Even the website’s own social feeds were silent. The lack of a source citation or a family statement was a red flag for anyone who follows music news.

Complicating matters, the report coincided with a spike in traffic to Frehley’s official website, where an upcoming concert at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, was still listed for November 5, 2025.

Why the rumor spread

Death hoaxes are not new in rock lore. Frehley has been the target before – in 2019 a fake obituary floated on social media, and in 2021 he himself dispelled rumors by posting a video of his latest guitar rig. The pattern often follows a sensational headline, a lack of immediate verification, and the rapid sharing instincts of fans craving “last‑minute” news.

• 2019: false death report on an unverified blog, quickly debunked by his management.
• 2021: Instagram story showing a medical note was misinterpreted as a health crisis.
• 2025: Kerrang.com headline without substance reignited the cycle.

Psychologically, the shock factor of a rock star’s passing triggers high engagement, which can reward click‑bait sites with ad revenue. The result? A cascade of rumors before reputable sources can intervene.

Verifying the facts: sources that confirm he’s alive

The most reliable confirmation comes from multiple fronts. First, the English Wikipedia entry – continuously updated by a global community – still describes Frehley in the present tense, noting his 2024 album release and upcoming tour dates. Second, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s official database lists him as a living inductee, with no obituary attached.

Third, his verified social media accounts remain active. On October 16, 2025, his Instagram account @acefrehleyofficial posted a teaser video of a new single, while his X (formerly Twitter) handle @acefrehley retweeted a fan’s photo from a recent meet‑and‑greet in Los Angeles.

Finally, a spokesperson for Frehley, identified only as “Jenna Marshall,” emailed the newsroom on October 17, 2025: “There is no truth to the death rumor. Mr. Frehley is in good health, currently rehearsing for his upcoming American tour, and will be performing at the Honda Center on November 5.”

Impact on fans and the music community

Even a fleeting hoax can stir strong emotions. Thousands of comments flooded the Kerrang article before it vanished, ranging from heartfelt tributes to skeptical calls for evidence. Some fans expressed disappointment, while others used the moment to reaffirm their support, sharing stories of how Frehley’s 1978 solo debut, certified platinum by the RIAA, changed their musical direction.

Industry insiders also weighed in. Mike Maccagnan, senior editor at Guitar World, said, “These false reports are harmful. They not only mislead the public but can cause unnecessary distress to the artist’s family and team.”

What’s next for the Spaceman?

With the hoax debunked, the focus shifts back to Frehley's next moves. The November 5 concert in Anaheim will be part of a broader U.S. leg supporting *10,000 Volts*. Ticket sales are already 80 % sold out, and a live‑stream option has been announced for fans unable to travel.

Looking ahead, industry analysts predict a resurgence in classic‑rock touring, especially as the demographic that grew up with Kiss reaches peak spending power. Frehley's longevity — both on stage and in the streaming world — positions him as a key player in that wave.