Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick recently paid tribute to the late Ace Frehley on the first anniversary of his passing, sharing his thoughts in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
In his message, Kulick reflected on the mutual respect they shared and expressed his admiration for Frehley’s unique style and legacy.
“One year ago we lost Ace Frehley, and he’s still deeply missed by his fans and by me,” Kulick said. “Ace and I always shared a special mutual respect.”
He went on to describe the dynamic between them, noting that there was never any rivalry.
“There was never any competition between us, just an appreciation for each other’s talents,” he continued. “I always admired his unique style and his legacy as KISS’s original guitarist.”
Kulick also shared how much Frehley’s appreciation of his own guitar playing meant to him.
“Knowing that Ace respected my playing, and wasn’t shy about saying so, was one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive,” Kulick added. “I’ll always cherish that. Miss you, Ace. RIP.”
This tribute highlights the enduring bond and mutual admiration between the two former KISS guitarists.
Kulick’s message arrives one year after Frehley’s death, and the loss is still felt across the rock world. Frehley died on October 16, 2025, at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey, following a fall. Later reporting cited a stroke and a subdural hematoma caused by a fracture to the back of his skull, and his death was ruled an accident.
Frehley’s death drew immediate reactions from his former bandmates. KISS co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley said in a joint statement that Frehley was “an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history,” adding, “He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.”
Kulick himself paid tribute to Frehley shortly after his death. The guitarist wrote that Frehley was “one of a kind and truly an iconic guitar player,” and added, “His undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS cannot be forgotten. Not only was he loved by all, he influenced millions of guitarists around the world.”
Kulick’s connection to KISS ran deep long before his recent tribute. He played with the band from 1984 to 1996, appearing on albums including Asylum, Crazy Nights, Revenge, and Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions during the group’s non-makeup era.
