Frehley, a Bronx native, is considered one of the greatest metal guitarists of all time.
He joined Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss to form Kiss in New York City in 1973. The group, known for daring black-and-white make-up, costumes and electrifying guitar solos took the world by storm, sparking a metal fever with hits like “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” “Black Diamond,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” and “Lick It Up.”
What started as a rock band turned into a cultural phenomenon and a legacy, widely regarded as one of the most influential music groups of all time.
Kiss changed its lineup over the years, with Frehley leaving for the first time in 1982 to form his own band, Frehley’s Comet.
He pursued a solo career which included hits such as “New York Groove” released in 1978, and “Rock Soldiers” in 1987.
The Spaceman later returned to Kiss’ orbit, rejoining the band in 1996 for a wildly acclaimed reunion tour and left again in 2002, closing out his reunion run by performing at the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The original four Kiss members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
Music never stopped for Frehley. Last year, he released his solo album “10,000 Volts,” which topped Billboard’s hard music and rock album charts.
Born Paul Daniel Frehley to a musical family, he was self taught — and went on to inspire millions with his guitar prowess.
“I’ve never taken a lesson, and my sense of melody came from singing in the church choir. So, whatever I have, it can’t be taught. You’ve gotta have it in you. Either you’ve got it, or you’ve got nothing at all,” Frehley told Guitar World last year.
Frehley was married once, to Jeanette Trerotola in 1976, with whom he shares a daughter Monique, according to People Magazine.
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