On Feb. 20, we saw the birth of a rock legend along with Jimi Hendrix’s first concert. Continue reading to get more facts and trivia about what happened on this day in rock music history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Feb. 20 saw these breakthrough hits and milestones that made waves in rock music:
1971: The soundtrack to the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar went to No. 1 on the Billboard Top LPs chart. After the album’s success, there were many Broadway productions of the controversial musical.
1993: Though it was over 34 years since his fatal plane crash, Buddy Holly and The Crickets made it to No. 1 in the U.K. with a posthumous compilation album, Words of Love. It was certified Gold in the U.S.
Cultural Milestones
Your favorite music genre wouldn’t sound the same if not for these Feb. 20 cultural milestones:
1967: Kurt Cobain, founder of Nirvana, was born in Aberdeen, Washington. He’s considered one of the most iconic rock musicians in the industry thanks to pioneering the grunge style that bridged hard rock, heavy metal, and punk styles.
1976: The four members of KISS left their footprints in the cement outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. Celebrities have been leaving their mark outside the building since 1927.
Notable Recordings and Performances
The most notable recordings and performances in rock music that happened on Feb. 20 were:
1958: Buddy Holly released his self-titled debut album on Coral Records. It features the Crickets as his backing band and includes hit singles like “Words of Love” and “Peggy Sue.”
1959: At the age of 16, Jimi Hendrix played his first concert at the Temple De Hirsch Sinai synagogue in his hometown of Seattle. He was fired from the unnamed band immediately following the show, as the other members thought he was showing off.
1970: The Plastic Ono Band released the “Instant Karma!” single in the US. Written by John Lennon, it went from conception to release in just 10 days, making it one of the fastest-released singles in music history.
1974: Steely Dan released their third studio album, Pretzel Logic, via ABC Records. It featured the massive hit “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number,” the band’s most successful-ever single, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts later that summer.
1979: George Harrison released his self-titled eighth studio album in the US via Dark Horse Records. It featured guest appearances from Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood, and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
1984: The Smiths released their self-titled debut album through Rough Trade Records. Despite initially getting mixed reviews, it set the band on their way to becoming one of the most influential British bands of the 1980s.
2017: Following a performance in which David Cassidy stumbled and slurred his words, he reported to People magazine that he had dementia. He died a few months later of liver failure at the age of 67.
Industry Changes and Challenges
The rock music industry changed forever after these Feb. 20 challenges:
2003: Pyrotechnics ignited soundproofing material during a Great White concert at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. The result was a massive blaze that caused 100 deaths and more than 200 injuries, making it the fourth-deadliest nightclub fire in the nation.
2009: Performing for the last time together in public, the White Stripes played “We’re Going To Be Friends” on the Late Night With Conan O’Brien show. The band officially broke up in February 2011.
These breakthrough hits, cultural milestones, major recordings and performances, and changes and challenges in the music industry continue to influence the rock music landscape. They’re just a tiny part of what makes rock music the genre it is today.
Quarto Publishing plans to drop two books in March 2026. They tell the story of 1976, when Rush and KISS both hit it big. Daniel Bukszpan penned RUSH and 2112: 50 Years, while Martin Popoff crafted KISS ’76.
The books arrive 50 years after both groups hit the road together in 1975, then split off to chase success the next year. Rush was a trio from Ontario, while KISS was a four-piece crew from New York.
Bukszpan’s work has 176 pages and arrives in a slipcase. His book examines the 2112 album with track-by-track breakdowns, photos, and conversations with the musicians. The prog-rock record opens with a seven-part sci-fi suite that runs 20 minutes.
Popoff’s volume tracks 12 months that changed everything for the band in 1976. That year delivered the Destroyer and Rock and Roll Over albums.
His text captures several wild moments from that stretch. These include Ace Frehley getting electrocuted onstage in Florida, which sparked the creation of “Shock Me,” Peter Criss singing “Beth” live for the first time, and Gene Simmons sitting behind the board to produce a Van Halen demo. The group moved Platinum albums and filled concert halls from coast to coast.
Both writers have tackled rock music for years. Bukszpan has cranked out multiple titles on the subject. Popoff, who lives in Toronto, has written more than 100 books. His catalog spans bands, music styles, and record collecting.
Love songs are everywhere in classic rock, but some of the biggest hits weren’t written about some mystery muse. They were written for one very specific woman. In many cases, the relationship was intense, messy, romantic, or all three. These rock love songs came straight from real-life relationships, which may explain why they still hit decades later.
Rock Love Songs Inspired by Specific Women
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
Axl Rose wrote this power ballad for his then-girlfriend Erin Everly. What started as a warm-up guitar riff from Slash turned into one of the biggest love songs of the ’80s. The lyrics were pulled directly from a poem Axl wrote about Erin. Their relationship didn’t last, but the song became a timeless arena anthem.
“Beth” – KISS
This softer side of KISS was originally inspired by a woman named Beck (Rebecca). Beck was the wife of one of Peter Criss’ bandmates when he was in Chelsea (pre-KISS). The name was later changed to “Beth,” but the theme remained the same: a musician apologizing for being gone too much. It’s one of the most unlikely love songs in hard rock history and one of KISS’s biggest hits.
“Oh Sherrie” – Steve Perry
Steve Perry wrote this hit for his girlfriend Sherrie Swafford. Unlike many love songs, he didn’t even change the name. The relationship inspired one of the biggest solo hits of his career, and Sherrie even appeared in the music video. The actual song doesn’t start until 2 minutes into the video, but the whole video is an amazing ’80s MTV time capsule.
“The Wind Cries Mary” – Jimi Hendrix
Ah, the mashed potato story. Jimi Hendrix wrote this rock love song after a fight with his girlfriend, Kathy Mary Etchingham. Hendrix and Mary got into a fight over her cooking. She threw pots and pans, stormed out, and when she returned home a couple of days later, Hendrix had written this song for her. Hendrix did not write a lot of songs with a soft side, making this song even more of a standout.
“Layla” – Derek and the Dominos
The song was written by Clapton about his massive obsession with Pattie Boyd, George Harrison’s wife at the time. Although Clapton and Harrison were very good friends, Clapton had an affair with Boyd… After George told Clapton, “take her,” he did. The two married, and George attended the wedding. Claton also wrote “Wonderful Tonight” about Boyd. Additionally, Harrison wrote “Something” about her. That’s quite the claim to fame!
Rock love songs often feel bigger than life, but the best ones usually start small. One person, one relationship, and one emotional moment is all it takes. Whether the romance lasted or crashed and burned, these classic love songs turned private stories into rock history.
Donielle Flynn has two kids, two cats, two dogs, and a love of all things rock. She’s been in radio decades and held down top-rated day parts at Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington DC radio stations throughout her tenure. She enjoys writing about rock news, the Detroit community, and she has a series called “The Story Behind” where she researches the history of classic rock songs.
FILE – Taylor Swift performs during “The Eras Tour” in Nashville, Tenn., May 5, 2023. According to Spotify Wrapped, Swift was 2023’s most-streamed artist globally. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)
New York (AP) — Taylor Swift, Kenny Loggins and Kiss founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley make up the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees.
It is no doubt an eclectic bunch of performers, spanning genre and generation.
The 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame was established in 1969 to honor those creating popular music.
A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song.
A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song.
“CBS Mornings” exclusively revealed the star-studded roster of 2026 inductees to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, celebrating artists whose work has left a lasting mark on music history, with some making history themselves.
At 36 years old, Taylor Swift has become the youngest woman by nearly a decade to be bestowed with the honor. Swift is joining a long list of legends in the coveted Hall of Fame.
Here are this year’s new inductees, many of whom have written the soundtrack to our lives.
2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley
Christopher “Tricky” Stewart
Alanis Morissette
Terry Britten and Graham Lyle
Kenny Loggins
Walter Afanasieff
Taylor Swift
Meet the members
Leading the class of 2026 is Gene Simmonsand Paul Stanley, who came together in 1973 to form the unlikely creative partnership that became KISS.
“No, I didn’t like [Simmons] at all. There’s days he annoys me now,” joked Stanley in a 2014 interview with CBS News special correspondent Anthony Mason.
But the two Jewish New Yorkers bonded over their backgrounds and shared work ethic. With Stanley, Simmons said, “One and one is three.”
Next is Christopher “Tricky Stewart,” who co-wrote and co-produced Beyoncé’s blockbuster hit “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” Raised in a musical family in Markham, Illinois, Stewart was writing songs by age 12.
His big break came in 2007, with what he calls the “single most important song” he’s ever written: Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” He once told MTV about the song’s success, “When she recorded the ‘ellas,’ you knew your life was about to change if you had anything to do with that record.”
You oughta know the next artist on the list: Alanis Morissette.
Morissette’s breakup anthem, “You Oughta Know,” was written from what she described as fractured devastation. With her blistering lyrics, the Canadian singer set off a cultural earthquake. Her 1995 album, “Jagged Little Pill,” sold 33 million copies worldwide.
“When I write songs, everything that jumps to the fore – lyrically and musically – is that which I have sublimated or repressed. So, it’s all my unconscious writing,” she told “CBS Mornings” featured host Vladimir Duthiers in November.
Other Hall of Famers, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle helped lift Tina Turner from soul singer to superstar, writing many of Turner’s greatest hits, including “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and “We Don’t Need Another Hero.”
Britten also wrote many hits for Cliff Richard, like “Devil Woman.” Meanwhile, Lyle – and his bandmate Benny Gallagher – wrote “A Heart in New York,” famously performed at Simon & Garfunkel’s 1981 concert in Central Park.
Kenny Loggins’ songwriting career has had many chapters, from performing in the 70s with Jim Messina to going solo to writing with Michael McDonald. In the 80s, he became the king of soundtracks with music featured in “Caddyshack,” “Footloose” and “Top Gun.”
“There’s just a part of my brain that’s kind of scoring everything,” Loggins said in a 2022 PBS interview.
Then there’s Walter Afanasieff, who co-wrote and co-produced Mariah Carey’s No. 1 smash, “Hero.” And then again, for the holiday classic, “All I Want For Christmas is You.”
“We’d play musical ping pong,” he’s said of his more than 11-year collaboration with Carey.
Raised in San Francisco, Afanasieff played keys with Narada Michael Walden, co-writing a James Bond theme for Gladys Knight.
Last but not least, there’s Taylor Swift.
Since signing a publishing deal at 14 years old, Swift has gone on to land 69 songs in the Top 10. Thirteen of those – her favorite number – have hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart.
Swift’s newest album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” became Spotify’s most streamed album in a single day in 2025.
“It’s usually in the middle of the night. Or if I’m trying to get to sleep and I can’t and then I get an idea. And I’m, like, ‘Well, I’m not tired anyway!’ And then kind of wander over here,” she told correspondent Tracy Smith, gesturing to her piano.
Last month, the surviving members of Kiss – Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss – reunited on the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., less than two months after Ace Frehley‘s death. Previously, they were part of the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees who received a medal from U.S. President Donald Trump during the December 6 Oval Office ceremony.
Talking to the Podcast Rock City, Peter Criss explained the heavy mix of pride and grief he felt during the event. His first reaction was pure disbelief.
“It was a dream. I could not believe this kid from the streets of Brooklyn, who grew up in four rooms with seven people, is standing in the Oval Office. It was surreal. The worst thing was [original Kiss guitarist] Ace [Frehley] wasn’t there. I really miss him dearly. We were very close.
“But his daughter was there, and his wife Jeanette, who’s a little kind of ill, but she was there, and [his daughter] Monique was there. And what touched me about it the most was that the president got up from the desk, walked around, and gave Jeanette a hug in her wheelchair, and then gave Monique a big hug and put the medal on her. That brought tears to my eyes. I miss him dearly. There’s a big loss without Ace,” Criss remembered.
Later, Criss said he was “sorry” that he and Ace never got a full studio project together: “That was a dream of mine, that he and I would do an album together. I’m sorry that never happened. And Ace did more solo albums than any of us in [Kiss]. He’s done, like, 10, easily, solo albums, more than us. He was working on his new album before his tragic accident, and he was getting ready to go on another tour. He was 74. God bless him. And there’ll never be another.”
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Todd Kerns threw a free concert at the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas. Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick joined him. They gathered donations for the Nevada SPCA, pulling in around 1,000 pounds of pet food for animals in need.
Fans brought unopened cat and dog food in exchange for the 75-minute show on the Las Vegas Strip. Kulick came onstage for four songs. The full set included eighteen tracks that spanned classic rock covers and original pieces.
“I’m very grateful that my friend Bruce Kulick came to help us gather up donations for the Nevada SPCA this past Sunday at the Hard Rock Cafe Vegas,” said Todd Kerns in a social media post that also included a clip of them performing “Forever.” “Sadly it’s never enough but we do what we can.”
Kerns plays bass for Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators. He’s also worked with Toque, Static In Stereo, and The Age Of Electric. Kulick held down lead guitar duties for KISS from 1984 to 1996.
Kulick praised how things turned out. “It was a huge success for the charity,” said Bruce Kulick, according to BraveWords. He thanked Monique Kerns for her dedication to the animal welfare group.
Peter Criss pushed back against claims that he’s asking fans to pay $1,000 for a download of his latest solo album. The former KISS drummer addressed the uproar on Monday after his Bandcamp page listed the file at that steep price. Vinyl was $32.98. The compact disc was $14.98. Flatiron Recordings manages the Bandcamp account, not Criss.
“Bandcamp had become an issue, and I had requested Flatiron Recordings to disable the account associated with my records before the release day of my new record on Dec. 19, 2025,” he wrote on his website. “I am not in control of the Bandcamp account. Flatiron Recordings is.”
The musician said sorry for the mess. He told fans to look elsewhere to purchase his new rock record. “I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and for the misinformation and implication that I am charging $1,000 for a download of my new record — I am not,” Criss added.
This self-titled release is Criss’s first solo album since 2007’s One For All. That effort leaned into jazz and ballads. The new record returns to rock and roll.
Guest musicians appear throughout. Motley Crue guitarist John 5 contributes, bassist Billy Sheehan plays, and keyboardist Paul Shaffer adds his touch. The 11-track record dropped on Dec. 19, one day before Criss turned 80.
Criss told Antimusic that he isn’t the only KISS member with unusual pricing. Former lead guitarist Vinnie Vincent announced a new single called “Ride the Serpent” for $225 on Sunday. Vincent said he won’t ship orders until the single gets 1,000 orders.
The original KISS drummer departed in 1980. He returned for a reunion tour in the 1990s, and his last appearance was in 2004. Then, Eric Singer took over on drums. Criss sang lead on several KISS songs, including “Beth,” “Black Diamond,” and “Hard Luck Woman.”
Plenty of iconic names feature in the most significant rock music events associated with Dec. 20, including The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Keep reading to discover what happened on this day in rock history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Dec. 20 was a big day for John Lennon’s legacy and The Rolling Stones’ career. These are the milestones their fans celebrate today:
1969: The Rolling Stones’ eighth studio album, Let It Bleed, reached the top spot on the U.K. albums chart. It features two of the band’s most iconic songs, “Gimme Shelter” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” The album has been certified Platinum in both the U.S. and the U.K.
1980: John Lennon’s song, “(Just Like) Starting Over,” went to No. 1 in the U.K., less than two weeks after his untimely death. It was the final single Lennon released in his lifetime, from his 1980 album Double Fantasy, and it also reached No. 1 in the U.S.
Cultural Milestones
Here are the notable cultural milestones that took place on Dec. 20 throughout the years:
1945: KISS co-founder and original drummer, Peter Criss, was born in New York City. He formed the band by placing an ad in Rolling Stone, which was answered by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
1948: Alan Parsons was born in Willesden, Middlesex, England. He made a name for himself as a sound engineer and worked on some of the most noteworthy rock albums of all time, including The Beatles’ Abbey Road and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Parsons also had a successful music career as part of The Alan Parsons Project.
1975: Guitarist Joe Walsh officially joined the Eagles and replaced Bernie Leadon. His first album with the band was Hotel California. Walsh shifted the Eagles’ musical direction away from their country rock roots toward a more classic rock sound.
These are some of the most memorable events in rock history that happened on Dec. 20, with legends such as The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, and the Eagles taking center stage. Visit this page again tomorrow to discover all the major events from that day in rock history.
KISS will reserve a vacant seat for Ace Frehley when they accept the Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 7. Bassist Gene Simmons revealed this tribute at the Love Ride charity event in Castaic, California, on Nov. 9.
“In Ace’s memory, we’re gonna make sure one of the four chairs is empty with Ace’s name, because he deserves to be there in spirit, even if he can’t be there physically,” Simmons said at the event, Music News reports.
Ace Frehley died on Oct. 16 at age 74 after a fall. The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office determined blunt trauma injuries to the head caused his death. Simmons, frontman Paul Stanley, and drummer Peter Criss attended his funeral on October 22 in the Bronx.
“Very sad. Paul and myself and Peter Criss, we went to Ace’s funeral. He sadly passed,” Simmons said. “And the saddest part of all, besides the pain and suffering to his friends, family, his daughter, his wife, his whole family, is that Ace didn’t live long enough to be with us on December 7 when the president and everybody’s gonna get up there and honour KISS in entering the Kennedy Center Honors.”
The 76-year-old bassist performed with Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer at the Love Ride motorcycle and music charity event. This event raises funds for veterans and music education programs.
The ceremony happens at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C. The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates people whose work has influenced American performing arts. KISS joins stage star Michael Crawford, singer Gloria Gaynor, country musician George Strait, and actor Sylvester Stallone in this year’s class. President Donald Trump will attend to honor the recipients. Fans can read more about the event and this year’s honorees on the Kennedy Center website.
December 6th KISS will be the recipient of the Kennedy Center Honor. As reported by Blabbermouth, Gene Simmons recently said at a charity event, “In Ace’s memory, we’re gonna make sure one of the four chairs is empty with Ace’s name, because he deserves to be there in spirit, even if he can’t be there physically.” Here’s hoping that Gene’s words come true to honor Ace Frehley at The Kennedy Center that night.
Gene Simmons Speaks Publicly
During his November 9 performance at the 34th annual Love Ride motorcycle and music charity event in Castaic Lake, California, Gene Simmons paused before launching into “Cold Gin” to honor the late Ace Frehley, founding guitarist of KISS. “Cold Gin” was Ace’s biggest song with KISS: one he wrote and eventually sang lead vocals on in live shows.
Simmons reflected on his longtime bandmate’s passing, saying: “Very sad… we went to Ace’s funeral. He sadly passed, and the saddest part of all… is that Ace didn’t live long enough to be with us on December 6th when the president and everybody’s gonna get up there and honor KISS in entering the Kennedy Center Honors.” Here’s Gene at the Love Rides event talking about Ace:
Other KISS Members Were On-Site with Simmons
The event, which raises funds for veterans and music education programs, unfolded like a KISS reunion of sorts. Simmons’s solo band was joined by guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer for a set of classic KISS anthems. But the emotional core of the night was the tribute for Ace Frehley, who passed away on October 16, 2025 at age 74. The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death as blunt trauma injuries to the head resulting from a fall.
Honoring Ace Frehley at The Kennedy Center
Simmons’s tribute serves as a prelude to formally honoring Ace Frehley at The Kennedy Center. The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony scheduled for December 6 will honor KISS as a group and posthumously include Frehley. The empty chair will symbolize his absence but also give Ace the presence at the ceremony that he deserves.
Simmons said, “Ace deserves to be there in spirit.”
Donielle Flynn has two kids, two cats, two dogs, and a love of all things rock. She’s been in radio decades and held down top-rated day parts at Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington DC radio stations throughout her tenure. She enjoys writing about rock news, the Detroit community, and she has a series called “The Story Behind” where she researches the history of classic rock songs.
A new Change.org petition is calling for Ace Frehley, the band’s original lead guitarist and “Spaceman,” to be named an honorary astronaut by NASA, recognizing his cosmic persona and influence on rock culture. This really does need to happen. It would be super cool on the part of NASA.
What the Petition Aims to Do
The petition, started by a fan named Kathryn, argues that Ace Frehley’s larger-than-life “Space Ace” character inspired generations of fans to look up, both musically and scientifically. Kathyrn writes that at the time of Ace’s passing, “He was still only merely PLAYING the character of a Space Cadet. He NEVER got to be one for REAL” I don’t disagree, but maybe we use “astronaut” rather than “Space Cadet” moving forward.
Within days, the petition has racked up thousands of signatures, boosted by shares from KISS fan pages and music forums. Supporters say it’s a light-hearted yet fitting tribute to one of rock’s most iconic figures.
Ace Frehley’s Space Ace Legacy
Frehley first adopted the Spaceman image in the early ’70s, combining sci-fi visuals, silver-and-black costumes, and blazing guitar work to create a character that was out of this world. Ace was blending hard rock and cosmic theatrics long before space tourism was a reality. Ace’s KISS person was inspired by his love of sci-fi and his interest in space travel. How fitting that he receive an honorary astronaut title?
NASA has yet to comment, but fans hope the campaign catches the agency’s attention. “If William Shatner can go to space, surely Ace Frehley deserves at least honorary astronaut wings,” joked one supporter.
Check out this amazing interview clip with Ace’s standout laugh as he explains his outfit. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley look very uncomfortable.
Donielle Flynn has two kids, two cats, two dogs, and a love of all things rock. She’s been in radio decades and held down top-rated day parts at Detroit, Philadelphia, and Washington DC radio stations throughout her tenure. She enjoys writing about rock news, the Detroit community, and she has a series called “The Story Behind” where she researches the history of classic rock songs.
ABC will broadcast a tribute to guitar legend Ace Frehley. The KISS star died on Oct. 16 at 74, when a brain bleed from a fall took his life.
Late-night music show Rage will air rare KISS clips. The standout will be their 1980 Countdown set from the top of New York’s World Trade Center. Starting at just past midnight, viewers will see KISS classics and Frehley’s own work.
“We’ll be playing Kiss music videos, including ‘Talk To Me,’ ‘I Was Made for Loving You,’ ‘I Want You,’ ‘Sure Know Something,’ ‘Shout It Out Loud,’ ‘Shandi,’ and Ace’s last official music video appearance for Kiss, ‘Psycho Circus.’ We also have a bunch of solo Ace and Frehley’s Comet clips, including ‘Into The Night,’ ‘Insane,’ and ‘Do Ya,’” wrote ABC’s Rage on Facebook.
According to Rolling Stone, lead singer Gene Simmons and guitarist Paul Stanley said, “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley.” They remembered him as “an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history.” They added, “He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.”
At just 13, Frehley taught himself guitar. His wild style broke new ground. He stuck smoke bombs in his instruments and made them flash with lights. He also turned guitar switches into tools for sharp, quick sounds that no one had tried before.
He wrote hits that stuck, including “Cold Gin,” “Parasite,” and “Shock Me.” The MTV Unplugged show in 1996 marked his final KISS performance, and his acoustic performance of “Beth” gained praise from fans. You can catch the full show on Rage on Oct. 24 at 12:18 a.m.
Ace Frehley built a career that defined rock stardom and shaped generations of musicians. Known as the original lead guitarist and founding member of KISS, he turned his “Spaceman” persona into a cultural icon.
At the time of his death in October 2025, Ace Frehley’s net worth was estimated at around $1 million, reflecting both his massive success and the financial ups and downs that followed him through life.
His fortune came from decades of touring, record sales, and royalties that kept his music alive long after his peak fame in the 1970s and 80s. Yet, despite his role in one of the most profitable rock bands in history, Frehley’s financial story was marked by missed opportunities, personal challenges, and costly decisions that shaped his legacy.
Even now, his influence echoes through every guitar riff that channels his signature sound. His life offers a rare look at how fame, fortune, and creativity can collide in the unpredictable world of rock music.
Key Takeaways
Ace Frehley’s net worth was about $1 million at the time of his death in 2025.
His wealth came from decades with KISS, solo projects, and ongoing royalties.
His legacy continues to influence rock music and inspire new generations.
Ace Frehley’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death
At the time of his passing in October 2025, Ace Frehley’s financial standing reflected both his decades-long career with KISS and the personal challenges that affected his earnings. His reported fortune was modest compared to the massive wealth of some of his bandmates, shaped by royalties, touring income, and years of financial instability.
Reported Net Worth Figures
Multiple sources, including Celebrity Net Worth, listed Ace Frehley’s net worth at approximately $1 million when he died at age 74. This figure came from a combination of his earnings as KISS’s original lead guitarist, royalties from his solo work, and residuals from the band’s merchandise empire.
While $1 million may seem low for a rock legend, Frehley’s fortune had declined over time. He faced foreclosure on his Yorktown, New York home in 2013 due to unpaid mortgage and property taxes. Despite these setbacks, he continued to perform and release albums until shortly before his death, maintaining a steady—though modest—income stream from live performances and licensing deals.
His estate will likely include music publishing rights, memorabilia, and ongoing royalties from classic KISS tracks and his 1978 solo hit New York Groove.
Comparison to Other Rock Legends
Frehley’s estimated net worth stood far below that of his fellow KISS founders. According to public reports:
Bandmate
Estimated Net Worth
Source
Gene Simmons
$400 million
Celebrity Net Worth
Paul Stanley
$200 million
Celebrity Net Worth
Peter Criss
$5 million
Celebrity Net Worth
Ace Frehley
$1 million
Celebrity Net Worth
The gap highlights how business decisions and personal management shaped each member’s financial outcome. Simmons and Stanley built extensive branding and licensing ventures, while Frehley focused more on performance and music creation.
Even so, fans often viewed him as KISS’s most authentic musician. His influence as the “Spaceman” guitarist remained strong, even if his financial legacy was smaller.
Factors Affecting His Wealth
Several factors contributed to Frehley’s relatively limited net worth. Years of substance abuse, inconsistent touring schedules, and long breaks from KISS reduced his potential earnings. Legal and tax troubles also drained resources that might have grown through investments or royalties.
He walked away from a reported $15 million contract in 1982, citing creative frustration and personal burnout. That decision, though pivotal for his well-being, cost him millions in potential income.
Frehley’s solo career brought critical respect but less commercial success. His albums under Frehley’s Comet and later solo projects sold moderately but couldn’t match KISS’s global scale. Despite these challenges, he remained proud of his independence and continued earning from touring, autograph sessions, and music royalties until his final year.
How Ace Frehley Built and Lost His Fortune
Ace Frehley earned most of his wealth through decades of touring, album sales, and branding tied to KISS and his solo projects. Despite steady income from royalties and performances, poor financial management and personal struggles eventually reduced his fortune to an estimated $1 million at the time of his death.
Earnings with KISS
As the original lead guitarist for KISS, Ace Frehley helped shape one of rock music’s most profitable brands. The band’s explosive stage shows, makeup, and marketing created a global following.
During the 1970s, KISS albums such as Alive! and Destroyer sold millions of copies, generating significant royalties. The group’s 1978 solo album releases, including Frehley’s own Ace Frehley, added further revenue.
KISS’s tours were among the highest-grossing of their time. Frehley’s share came not only from live performances but also from merchandise and licensing. At the height of his tenure, he reportedly earned several million dollars annually.
However, internal conflicts and business disagreements limited his long-term financial gains. When he left the band in 1982, he forfeited future earnings from ongoing KISS ventures.
Solo Career and Frehley’s Comet
After leaving KISS, Frehley launched his solo career with the band Frehley’s Comet. Signed to Megaforce Records, the group’s 1987 debut album sold about half a million copies, marking a commercial success.
He continued releasing albums under his own name, including Trouble Walkin’ (1989) and Space Invader (2014). Touring and record sales provided steady income, though never matching his KISS-era earnings.
Frehley’s solo work allowed him creative freedom and direct control over his music. Yet, operating independently meant covering production and touring costs himself. This reduced profit margins compared to the shared infrastructure of KISS.
Despite moderate sales, his loyal fan base and consistent touring kept his career active for decades. His solo catalog also contributed to ongoing royalty streams.
Merchandising and Royalties
KISS became a merchandising powerhouse, licensing everything from action figures to lunchboxes. Frehley benefited from early deals that tied each member’s likeness to the band’s brand.
Even after leaving, he retained a 25% partnership share until 1985, earning royalties from post-departure releases. These included reissues, compilations, and merchandise featuring his “Spaceman” persona.
Royalties from classic tracks like Shock Me and Cold Gin continued to generate income through radio play and streaming. His 1978 hit New York Groove also remained a steady earner through film and television placements.
Although these royalties provided long-term income, they were not enough to offset later financial losses or match the vast profits of the KISS corporation.
Financial Setbacks and Foreclosure
Frehley’s financial troubles stemmed from lifestyle expenses, addiction issues, and inconsistent management. Years of touring and fame were followed by periods of instability that eroded his savings.
In 2013, he lost his Yorktown, New York home to foreclosure after falling behind on mortgage and property tax payments. Public records showed significant debt, reflecting a pattern of financial strain.
He also faced legal disputes and tax issues that further reduced his net worth. While he continued performing and releasing music, his income could not fully recover from earlier losses.
By the time of his death in 2025, Ace Frehley’s estimated net worth stood at about $1 million, a modest figure for a musician who once helped define rock’s golden era.
Inheritance and Family Legacy
Ace Frehley’s passing in October 2025 left behind not only memories of his decades-long career but also questions about how his estimated $1 million net worth would be distributed. His family ties, ongoing music royalties, and financial obligations all play a role in shaping what remains of his estate.
Potential Heirs and Estate Details
Reports indicate that Ace Frehley’s immediate family includes his estranged wife, Jeanette Trerotola, and their daughter, Monique Frehley. Although the couple separated in the 1980s, they reportedly never divorced, which could make Trerotola a legal heir.
In most U.S. jurisdictions, a surviving spouse and children are the primary inheritors when no public will is available. Frehley’s family has not disclosed any estate plan, leaving speculation about how his assets—such as music royalties, memorabilia, and personal property—will be divided.
He also had siblings, including a brother, Charles, and a sister, Nancy Salvner, but their involvement in the estate remains unclear. If no valid will exists, inheritance laws would likely prioritize his spouse and daughter before extended family members.
Ongoing Royalties and Intellectual Property
Frehley’s musical catalog continues to generate income through royalties and licensing rights. His work with KISS and as a solo artist ensures that his estate benefits from album sales, streaming, and merchandise.
Songs like New York Groove and Shock Me remain popular and continue to appear in sports events and media, providing residual revenue. As a co-founder of KISS, he may also retain a share of intellectual property connected to the band’s brand.
These earnings typically transfer to the estate and then to heirs under copyright law. Royalties from his solo albums, live performances, and songwriting credits could provide a steady, though modest, stream of income for his family for years to come.
Impact of Debts on Inheritance
Despite his fame, Frehley faced financial difficulties throughout his life. He reportedly lost his Yorktown, New York home to foreclosure in 2013 after failing to pay mortgage and property taxes.
Any remaining debts, including unpaid taxes or loans, would be settled before heirs receive distributions. This process could reduce the final value of the estate considerably.
If liabilities exceed liquid assets, the estate executor may need to sell property or future royalties to satisfy creditors. Only after those obligations are cleared would Jeanette Trerotola and Monique receive their portions of what remains, shaping a modest but enduring family legacy.
Ace Frehley’s Enduring Impact on Rock Music
Ace Frehley shaped the sound and image of hard rock through his work with KISS and his later solo career. His guitar tone, stage persona, and songwriting helped define the band’s identity and influenced countless musicians who followed.
Influence on Guitarists and Rock Culture
Paul Daniel Frehley, known as Ace, inspired generations of guitarists with his melodic solos and creative use of effects. His approach balanced technical skill with memorable hooks, making songs both heavy and accessible. Many players cite his tone and phrasing as key influences on their own sound.
He introduced visual flair to live performance. The “Spaceman” costume, smoke-spewing guitars, and pyrotechnics turned concerts into full theatrical experiences. These elements became standard in arena rock and metal shows.
Frehley’s style bridged blues-based rock and early heavy metal. Bands from the 1980s glam scene to modern hard rock acts have acknowledged his impact. His work showed that showmanship and musicianship could coexist without overshadowing one another.
Influence Area
Example Artists Inspired
Guitar tone & phrasing
Slash, Dave Grohl, Dimebag Darrell
Stage performance
Mötley Crüe, Twisted Sister
Songwriting approach
Foo Fighters, The Darkness
Legacy with KISS and Beyond
As KISS’s original lead guitarist, Frehley helped define the band’s signature sound alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. His contributions to albums like Love Gun and Dynasty included standout tracks such as Shock Me.
He co-designed the lightning-bolt KISS logo, reinforcing the group’s bold visual identity. His solos added melodic structure to the band’s harder edge, giving songs mainstream appeal.
After leaving KISS in the early 1980s, Frehley’s solo work with Frehley’s Comet kept his creative momentum alive. His 1978 solo album, featuring New York Groove, proved his ability to craft hits outside the band. Fans and critics credit him with maintaining the link between classic KISS and later rock movements.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In 2014, Ace Frehley entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the original KISS lineup. The honor recognized his role in shaping one of rock’s most recognizable acts.
The induction celebrated his influence as both a performer and songwriter. Despite past tensions among members, the event highlighted their shared legacy as pioneers of theatrical rock.
Frehley’s inclusion affirmed his status as a rock legend whose innovations extended far beyond his band. His technical creativity, distinctive image, and contributions to rock’s visual and musical evolution remain central to his lasting reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ace Frehley’s finances reflect both his success as a rock guitarist and the challenges he faced later in life. His earnings came from decades of touring, royalties, and solo work, while financial setbacks and legal issues affected his long-term wealth.
What is the estimated net worth of Ace Frehley?
At the time of his death in October 2025, Ace Frehley’s net worth was estimated at about $1 million. Earlier reports placed his wealth between $1 million and $2 million, depending on royalties and performance income.
How does Ace Frehley’s net worth compare to other members of Kiss?
Compared to Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, whose fortunes exceed tens of millions, Frehley’s net worth was modest. His early departure from Kiss and fewer business ventures limited his long-term financial growth.
Has Ace Frehley faced any financial issues in recent years?
Yes. Frehley dealt with IRS tax debt and lost a home in foreclosure in 2013 after failing to pay mortgage and property taxes. He also mentioned passport renewal issues in 2024 due to unpaid federal taxes.
What are some factors that influenced Ace Frehley’s net worth?
Several factors shaped his finances, including time spent away from Kiss, missed touring opportunities, and personal struggles with addiction. Despite these issues, he continued earning through album royalties and live performances.
How have Ace Frehley’s solo projects contributed to his net worth?
Frehley’s solo career, starting with “Frehley’s Comet” in 1987, provided steady income from album sales and touring. His 1978 self-titled solo album and later releases helped maintain his visibility and royalties over the years.
What is the financial legacy of Ace Frehley within the music industry?
Frehley’s financial legacy lies in his influence rather than wealth. His guitar work helped define Kiss’s sound, and his contributions continue to generate royalties. He remains respected as a pioneering rock guitarist whose music outlived his financial struggles.
Ace Frehley, the longtime lead guitarist of the rock band Kiss, died Thursday after a recent fall at his home. He was 74 years old. CBS News’ Vlad Duthiers looks back at his legacy.
Ace Frehley, the influential founding guitarist of KISS, died on Thursday, his family confirmed. He was 74.
While no official cause of death has been confirmed, TMZ—who cited anonymous sources—reported that the rocker was on life support after falling in his studio a few weeks ago and suffering a brain bleed.
The Context
Known for his “Spaceman” persona and distinctive guitar work, Frehley’s death marks the first passing among the original members of one of America’s most iconic rock bands. His influence extended across generations of musicians and fans, helping to define the sound and spectacle of arena rock. The loss leaves a significant mark on the history of American music and culture, with tributes highlighting his artistic legacy and personal impact.
What To Know
Frehley died on October 16 in Morristown, New Jersey. In addition to TMZ’s report, NBC News cited a now-deleted Instagram post that reportedly stated doctors had advised him not to travel following the fall, forcing him to cancel some upcoming concerts.
He later canceled the remainder of his tour dates altogether. “Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates,” a statement posted to Frehley’s official Instagram account read on October 6.
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss, died on Thursday, his family and agent said. He was 74.
Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall, his agent told The Associated Press.
Family members said in a statement to AP that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.
Frehley’s former Kiss bandmates, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, said in a statement they were “devastated” by Frehley’s passing.
“He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history,” the two said. “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.”
Frehley is the first death among the four founding members.
Frehley was recovering from a “minor fall” that forced him to cancel a scheduled performance in late September, his tour manager, John Ostrosky, also known as John Ostronomy, said in a Facebook post last month addressed to fans. Doctors advised Frehley not to travel following his fall, Ostrosky said.
Ace Frehley performs onstage at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre on Oct. 10, 2021, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Jason Koerner / Getty Images / Jason Koenrer
Born in 1951 in the Bronx, Frehley grew up surrounded by music and received his first electric guitar as a Christmas present in 1964. Before joining Kiss, he played in local bands around New York City and was a roadie for Jimi Hendrix at age 18.
Frehley co-founded Kiss in 1973 alongside Stanley, Simmons and Peter Criss. He played on many of Kiss’ classic albums, including “Destroyer,” “Rock and Roll Over” and “Love Gun.” Today, Kiss has more gold albums than any other American band and has sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Kiss, whose hits include “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City,” was known for its intense stage shows, which included fireworks, smoke and eruptions of fake blood performed by band members in black-and-white painted faces, platform boots and black wigs.
L-R: Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Paul Stanley of KISS performing in Germany on March 8, 1999.
Brill/ullstein bild via Getty Images
Band members took on the personas of comic book-style characters — Frehley was known as “Space Ace” and the “Spaceman.” The New York-born entertainer often experimented with pyrotechnics, making his guitars glow, emit smoke and shoot rockets from the headstock.
The band was extremely popular, especially in the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and licensing its iconic look to sell numerous products. “Beth” was its biggest commercial hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976.
Frehley later released his first solo album, “Ace Frehley,” in 1978, and his song “New York Groove” quickly became a hit. Frehley frequently feuded with Stanley and Simmons through the years and left Kiss in 1982 to form the band Frehley’s Comet and later continued recording under his own name.
In 1996, Frehley rejoined Kiss for their 1996 reunion tour but left again in the early 2000s. The band continued with replacement members wearing the Frehley and Criss makeup and costumes. Kiss performed a farewell tour in 2023.
When the original four entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, a dispute scrapped plans for them to perform. Simmons and Stanley objected to Criss and Frehley being inducted instead of then-guitarist Tommy Thayer and then-drummer Eric Singer.
Simmons told Rolling Stone magazine that year that Frehley and Criss “no longer deserve to wear the paint.” “The makeup is earned,” he added. “Just being there at the beginning is not enough.”
Frehley and Kiss also had a huge influence on the glammy style of 1980s so-called hair metal bands, including Mötley Crüe and Poison.
“Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time,” Poison front man Bret Michaels wrote Thursday on Instagram.
As the Kennedy Center’s new chair, President Trump named Kiss as one of this year’s honorees.
In 2024, the band sold its catalog, brand name and intellectual property to Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment Group in a deal estimated to be more than $300 million.
Oh, no. The rock world has lost a true original: Ace Frehley, the iconic founding guitarist of KISS and the man behind the band’s legendary “Spaceman” persona, has tragically passed away at the age of 74.
The news broke Thursday and sent shockwaves right away. According to a heartbreaking statement from his family, the rocker died earlier that day in Morristown, New Jersey, following complications from a fall he suffered at his home several weeks ago.
In their message, sent to People on Thursday night, his family wrote:
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.”
And the family didn’t stop there. They made sure to pay tribute to who Ace was as a person, beyond just the leather and loud guitars:
“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
Oof. That hits hard.
TMZ had previously reported Ace was placed on life support due to a brain bleed caused by the fall, which happened at some point last month. Just a few weeks ago, on September 25, he addressed fans directly via Instagram, downplaying the incident as a “minor” fall and citing doctor’s orders as the reason he had to cancel a show in Lancaster, California.
At the time, fans were reassured with a statement saying he was “fine” and still hard at work on his next solo album, Origins Vol. 4. But that optimism slowly faded. On October 6, less than two weeks before his passing, Frehley officially canceled the rest of his 2025 tour due to “ongoing medical issues.” And now we know just how serious those issues were.
Born Paul Frehley in the Bronx, Ace skyrocketed to fame in the ’70s as the original lead guitarist of KISS. He helped form the band in 1973 alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. His “Spaceman” alter ego was a cultural stamp on rock history.
Ace officially left KISS in 1982 after internal tensions with the band. He had a thriving solo career, and then reunited with KISS for a successful reunion in 1996. His final performance with them came in 2018 on the KISS Kruise.
So sad. Ace was a rockstar in every sense of the word.
Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley, right, guitarist Ace Frehley, center, and bassist Gene Simmons play during the band’s farewell concert in the Detroit area, Thursday, May 25, 2000, at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Mich., (AP Photo/Paul Warner, File)
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, died Thursday. He was 74.
Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall, according to his agent.
Family members said in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.
Kiss, whose hits included “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” was known for its theatrical stage shows, with fireworks, smoking instruments and fake blood spewing from the mouths of band members in body armor, platform boots, wigs and signature black-and-white face paint.
Kiss’ original lineup included Frehley, singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, tongue-wagging bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss. Band members took on the personas of comic book-style characters — Frehley was known as “Space Ace” and the “Spaceman.” The New York-born entertainer often experimented with pyrotechnics, making his guitars glow, emit smoke and shoot rockets from the headstock.
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” Simmons and Stanley said in a joint statement. “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 and his band mates were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
As the Kennedy Center’s new chairman, President Donald Trump named Kiss as one of this year’s honorees.
Frehley’s is the first death among the four founding members.
The band was extremely popular, especially in the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and licensing its iconic look to sell numerous products. “Beth” was its biggest commercial hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976.
Frehley left the band in 1982, skipping the years when they took off the makeup and had mixed success. He performed both as a solo artist and with his band, Frehley’s Comet.
But he rejoined Kiss in the mid-1990s for a triumphant reunion and restoration of their original style that came after bands including Nirvana, Weezer and the Melvins had expressed their affection for the band and paid them musical tributes.
The rock world is mourning the death of Kiss co-founder and legendary lead guitarist Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer died after sustaining injuries in a fall last month, his family confirmed Thursday, sparking an outpouring of grief across the music community.
In a statement, Frehley’s bandmates, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons said: “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.”
Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready penned a remembrance shared via Pearl Jam’s official social media accounts. In his post, McCready credits Frehley and Kiss for influencing him to pick up a guitar.
Ace Frehley, Eddie, Me in awe… 📸: Danny Clinch
I heard about Ace Frehley‘s passing from Rick Friel who I played with in a band called Shadow. Rick was also the first guy on the bus in 1977 with a KISS lunchbox to tell me about Ace…just changed my life. I got a guitar in 1978… pic.twitter.com/0oULzn0A5H
Tool frontman, Maynard James Keenan, paid his respects on Instagram with an edited childhood photo of himself wearing Frehley’s iconic makeup. “Godspeed, Ace,” Keenan captioned the post.
Frehley was set to be honored by The Kennedy Center on Dec. 7, with the ceremony slated to air on CBS on Dec. 23. The Kennedy Center tweeted on Thursday: “We will be paying tribute to this “rock soldier”, his work, and his legacy at our ceremony in December.”
The Kennedy Center is saddened to hear of the passing of one of this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees, Ace Frehley of the band KISS.
We send our deepest condolences to his friends, his family, and millions of fans worldwide.
Simmons also addressed the Frehley posthumously receiving the Kennedy Center’s Honor on his personal X account writing, “Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”
See more tributes below.
Ace RIP was the 1st person I met when we were forming CHIC!@KISS were playing at a spot called Le Jardin. Without his makeup nobody recognized him as he sat at my table. Only a few minutes before the crowd were losing their shit over him. I learned a lot that night. Truly… pic.twitter.com/ibNCrbt9vP
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Ace Frehley. Thank you for the decades of music inspiring generations with your electrifying guitar work and unforgettable stage presence. Your sound helped define rock ’n’ roll. Our thoughts are with Ace’s family,… pic.twitter.com/tRQTGNVCUl
It has now been officially confirmed and released by the family that my friend of 40 years @ace_frehley has passed away. This is beyond words for me on many levels. My condolences to Jeanette, Monique and all the fellow fans. I will air a special tribute to Ace tonight on… pic.twitter.com/TSIus5y0zd
