KISS performed for the first time since the death of founding guitarist Ace Frehley during their three-day KISS Kruise: Landlocked event in Las Vegas. Frehley died on Oct. 16 at age 74 after suffering a fall at home.
At the opening show on Nov. 14, Paul Stanley paused to acknowledge Frehley’s role in building the band, noting that despite past conflicts, “that’s what family is about.” The next night, the band — Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer — made only brief references to him, with Thayer pointing skyward during a solo. Fans repeatedly chanted Frehley’s name throughout the weekend, including during a moment led by opening act Sebastian Bach.
Frehley, known as KISS’s original “Spaceman,” co-founded the group in 1973 and left in 1982. His family said they were devastated by his loss, remembering his humor, kindness and legacy. A medical examiner later confirmed his death resulted from blunt head trauma caused by an accidental fall.
The Landlocked event featured concerts, Q&As, karaoke, memorabilia and more. KISS performed unmasked for acoustic and full-set shows at the Virgin Hotel. Frehley is survived by his daughter, Monique, and his wife, Jeanette Trerotola.
