Paul Daniel "Ace" Frehley, known universally as the Spaceman, was the original lead guitarist and a founding member of the iconic rock band Kiss. His aggressive, melodic playing and innovative stage persona, complete with smoking and light-up guitars, became a cornerstone of the band's legendary live spectacle. Frehley's contributions helped propel Kiss to global superstardom in the 1970s, and his subsequent solo career solidified his status as a rock guitar icon. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of Kiss.

Born in The Bronx, New York, Frehley developed an interest in music and electronics from a young age. After playing in various local bands, he answered a famous Village Voice advertisement placed by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who were forming a new group. Joining alongside drummer Peter Criss, Frehley became a founding member of Kiss in 1973. He famously created his Spaceman persona, designing his own makeup and contributing to the band's otherworldly image. His guitar work defined hits like "Shock Me," "Rocket Ride," and the timeless anthem "New York Groove," which he also sang.

While achieving massive success with Kiss, Frehley also released a self-titled solo album in 1978 as part of the band's ambitious simultaneous solo project. His album was the most commercially successful of the four, achieving platinum status and featuring the hit "New York Groove." Creative tensions led to his departure from Kiss in 1982. He then formed his own band, Frehley's Comet, releasing several albums throughout the 1980s and early 1990s that maintained a loyal fanbase. In a landmark moment for rock music, Frehley rejoined Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss in 1996 for the massively successful Kiss Alive/Worldwide Reunion Tour, which saw the original quartet return in full makeup and costume. His second tenure with the band lasted until 2002.

Following his final departure from Kiss, Frehley focused on his solo career, releasing well-received albums like Anomaly (2009) and Space Invader (2014). He remained a prolific recording artist and touring musician, celebrated for his influential guitar style. His most recent solo studio album, 10,000 Volts, was released in 2024. Ace Frehley passed away in October 2025 due to complications from a fall at his home, leaving behind a legacy as one of rock's most recognizable and inventive guitarists.