Maynard James Keenan, the frontman of Tool, recently paid tribute to the late KISS guitarist Ace Frehley in a heartfelt post shared on Instagram.
The post featured a childhood photo of Keenan wearing Ace Frehley’s iconic KISS makeup. It was accompanied by a brief but emotional message.
“Godspeed, Ace,” Maynard said.
Keenan’s deep connection to KISS has been well-documented. In a 2023 Instagram post, he reflected on how the band helped him cope during his childhood in 1970s Ohio.
“Everyone has their coping mechanisms. As a child growing up in ’70s Ohio, mine was KISS,” he wrote. “I had all the posters, but at some point, I thought I’d lost them. Recently found them all rolled up in a chest I’d forgotten about in the attic. It included the holy grail of KISS posters. The First. ‘New On Casablanca Records and Tapes.’ The back has all four autographs.”
The tribute highlights Keenan’s status as one of the biggest fans of KISS and Ace Frehley. It honors the guitarist’s lasting impact on his life and music.
Keenan’s farewell comes as the music world mourns the loss of one of rock’s most influential guitarists.
As 6ABC reported, Frehley passed away at the age of 74 in a New Jersey hospital following injuries sustained during a recent fall. The legendary lead guitarist and co-founder of KISS died peacefully in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by his family.
His family released a statement expressing their profound grief while celebrating his remarkable life. They stated they were “completely devastated and heartbroken” but also cherishing his finest memories and kindness. The statement reflected the deep impact Frehley had not only on the music industry but also on those closest to him.
Frehley’s legacy as “The Spaceman” extends far beyond his time with KISS. He inspired a generation of guitarists with his innovative playing style. He became an integral part of the band’s theatrical stage shows that defined rock music in the 1970s. His contributions to KISS helped establish the band as one of the most iconic acts in rock history.
The news of Frehley’s passing has been met with tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike. Keenan’s emotional farewell serves as one of many acknowledgments of the guitarist’s lasting influence on rock music. KSL noted that the music community continues to reflect on his impact and remember his numerous iconic performances that shaped the landscape of rock and roll.
