Ace Frehley was one of the founding members of the rock band, which has toured the largest stages around the world and played many times in Sweden. Although Frehley has left the band on two occasions, he will, according to his former Kiss colleagues Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, "always be a part of Kiss' heritage".
"We are crushed by Ace Frehley's passing. He was an important and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the band's most important years", the duo writes in a statement.
The news of Frehley's passing came during the late Thursday evening, Swedish time. The tributes did not wait.
"I would never have started with the guitar without Ace and Kiss' influence. Rest in peace Ace, you changed my life", writes Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready on X.
"Difficult to understand and take in the terrible news today. I and millions of others will miss you. Rest in peace, my friend", writes Guns N'Roses guitarist Slash on Instagram.
Rock icon Geddy Lee in the Canadian Rush writes in a joint statement that the band toured as an opening act for Kiss in 1974.
"He had a natural personality and was a genuine rock star. Thank you for inviting us newcomers to the rock world", writes Lee on Instagram.
