Ace Frehley, lead guitarist and founding member of rock group KISS, has died aged 74.
The Rolling Stone reported on Thursday night, US time, that he died in New Jersey surrounded by his family.
The guitarist suffered injuries after a fall at his studio in September and was on life support for some time.
Family members said in a statement that they were "completely devastated and heartbroken".
"In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth," they said.
"We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.
"Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace's memory will continue to live on forever!"
The news comes just weeks after the guitarist cancelled the remainder of previously announced 2025 tour dates due to unspecified "medical issues".
In a joint statement, KISS rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley and bassist Gene Simmons paid tribute to their band mate.
"We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley," they said.
"He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history.
"He is and will always be a part of KISS's legacy."
Paul Stanley also voiced his nostalgia for Ace's guitar talents on X.
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Born Paul Daniel Frehley, the musician played in numerous bands in New York before answering an advertisement in 1972 for a lead guitarist role.
That ad was placed by Stanley, Simmons and drummer Peter Criss.
Frehley got the job and by January 1973, KISS was born.
Between 1974 and 1975, KISS released three albums (KISS, Hotter Than Hell and Dressed to Kill), which built a cult following of fans who called themselves the "KISS Army".
The band was known for its intense stage shows, which included fireworks, smoke and eruptions of fake blood.
The band members performed in face paint, platform boots and black wigs, and were widely regarded as one of the most influential music groups of all time.
In 1982, Frehley left the group to form his own band, Frehley's Comet, but rejoined KISS in 1996.
His last performance with the band was at the closing ceremony for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Frehley, whose costume stage persona with the band was the Spaceman or Space Ace, was inducted with the band into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.
But music never stopped for Frehley after his time with KISS.
Last year, he released his solo album 10,000 Volts, which topped Billboard's hard music and rock album charts.
Self-taught guitarist that influenced many
In an interview with Guitar World last year, Frehley admitted he was a self-taught guitarist.
"I've never taken a lesson, and my sense of melody came from singing in the church choir," he said.
"So, whatever I have, it can't be taught. You've gotta have it in you."
He cited Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Jeff Beck, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and The Who as his primary influences.
He also spoke of the legacy he built as a guitarist who inspired countless players to pick up the instrument.
"I'm always flattered when people tell me I influenced them," Frehley said.
"If I knew I was gonna influence thousands of guitar players, I woulda practised more."
ABC with AP
