Ace Frehley’s longest-running solo-band drummer Scot Coogan issued his first statement after Ace Frehley’s death and explained his plans to protect Ace’s musical legacy. The statement was shared on Instagram.
The statement addressed Coogan’s silence following Frehley’s passing. It outlined his commitment to honoring the late guitarist’s memory with dignity.
“Hello all—As Ace’s longest-running solo-band drummer and lead vocalist since 2006, I have remained intentionally silent,” Coogan said. “It was important to me to give my crew, management, and most importantly Ace’s family the time, space, and respect they deserve to grieve without added noise, speculation, or opportunism. I believe it is far too soon to perform Ace’s music, and I have absolutely no interest in profiting from his name, likeness, or legacy.”
Coogan emphasized the personal nature of his relationship with Frehley. He described their bond as extending beyond professional collaboration.
“Working with Ace since 2006 was one of the greatest honors of my life,” he continued. “We shared the stage on countless tours and collaborated on multiple recordings, but our connection went much deeper than music. Ace walked my wife down the aisle and stood beside me as my best man. He wasn’t just someone I worked with – he was family.”
The drummer outlined his commitment to protecting Frehley’s legacy. He announced plans to donate any future earnings connected to the late musician’s name to charity.
“And because he was family, I will always protect and honor his legacy,” Coogan stated. “Any money that comes to me connected to Ace’s name, music, or likeness will be donated to an animal charity in his honor.”
“In the meantime, I’ve continued working—recording in Los Angeles, performing with my Led Zeppelin tribute project, and focusing on building my own music and identity,” he added. “When the time comes to honor Ace’s contributions to rock and roll, it will not be rushed, and it will not be exploited. It will be done the only way that matters—with dignity, respect, and real love.”
Coogan’s statement comes several months after the tragic loss of the former KISS guitarist. His death shocked the rock music community.
Metal Addicts reported that Ace Frehley died on October 16, 2025, from blunt force trauma to the head sustained in a fall. The Morris County Medical Examiner ruled his death accidental. The autopsy report detailed contusions and fractures at the rear of his skull, along with hemorrhages and a subdural hematoma.
The circumstances surrounding Frehley’s final hours have been particularly poignant for those close to him. Guitarist and vocalist Jeremy Asbrock, a bandmate of Frehley’s, revealed that he spoke with the legendary musician by phone just 12 hours before the fatal fall. This conversation came after Frehley had already experienced an earlier fall. It prompted Asbrock to check in on his well-being.
During that final phone call, Asbrock recalled that Frehley “was doing good.” This made the subsequent tragedy all the more heartbreaking for those who knew him personally. The medical records also noted that Frehley had previously suffered a stroke. This added to the health challenges he faced in his later years.
The autopsy findings revealed additional injuries beyond the fatal head trauma. These included bruising to his hip, thigh, and abdomen. The findings painted a picture of the severity of the accident that claimed the life of one of rock’s most iconic figures. Frehley’s death marked the end of an era for fans of classic rock and heavy metal. He was widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in the genre’s history.
