Bruce Kulick has shared a heartfelt statement following the death of Ace Frehley, the legendary KISS guitarist who once praised Kulick as technically superior to himself. The tribute was posted on Bruce Kulick’s Instagram.
Kulick reflected on Frehley’s impact on rock music and his personal connection to the late guitarist.
“The news of Ace’s passing is devastating to the world of rock. It has deeply affected me as well,” Kulick said. “He was one of a kind and truly an iconic guitar player. 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.”
The statement carries additional weight given Frehley’s previous comments about Kulick’s abilities as a musician.
In earlier remarks, Frehley had acknowledged Kulick’s technical prowess. “I would say that Bruce was the best guitar player all around. He’s technically a better player than I am, in my opinion. He can play stuff that I can’t play. He’s just a technically better musician. I never took a guitar lesson, you know?”
However, Frehley also highlighted his own unique strengths in melodic playing.
“But when it comes to playing melodic guitar solos, you know that nobody is better than me!” Frehley said. “A lot of that has to do with how you hit the string with the guitar pick and hitting the string with your finger at the same time. That’s how you get the harmonics. A lot of musicians aren’t even able to hit that. It takes a while to learn that technique with a really good vibrato—but it’s a winning combination.”
Frehley’s death marks the end of an era for rock music and the KISS legacy. The guitarist’s influence extended far beyond his time with the band, shaping generations of musicians who followed in his footsteps.
AOL reported that Ace Frehley died on October 16, 2025, at age 74, following complications from a fall he suffered weeks earlier in his studio. His family expressed devastation and heartbreak, noting they surrounded him with loving and peaceful words in his final moments.
Frehley co-founded KISS in 1972 with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. He became known as the band’s iconic “Spaceman” guitarist. Wikipedia noted that he initially left the band in 1982 to pursue a solo career. He later rejoined the original lineup for a reunion in 1996. His absence led to several other guitarists filling in for him over the years, including Vinnie Vincent and Bruce Kulick.
Bruce Kulick served as KISS guitarist during the era after Frehley’s initial departure. He is regarded as an accomplished musician who had a different style from Frehley’s but won respect for his musicianship during his tenure. Eddie Trunk revealed that Kulick reflected he felt “relieved” not to have been asked to take on the “Spaceman” role that was Frehley’s signature. This indicated a respectful distance from directly replacing Frehley’s persona.
The mutual respect between the two guitarists underscores the legacy both have left on rock music and the KISS legacy. Kulick’s tribute serves as a reminder of Frehley’s lasting impact on the world of rock and the countless musicians he inspired throughout his career.
