Pearl Jam and Rush stars celebrate KISS legend Ace Frehley

Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready and the members of Rush have led heartfelt tributes to original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley.

On Thursday, a family spokesperson confirmed that the legendary musician had passed away at the age of 74.

Frehley had been placed on life support and connected to a ventilator after suffering a brain bleed caused by a fall at his home about three weeks earlier.

Shortly after the news broke, McCready posted a throwback photo on Instagram of himself and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder watching the guitarist “in awe” backstage at a show.

"All my friends have spent untold hours talking about KISS and buying KISS stuff. Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly over the years..." he shared. "I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS's influence. RIP it out Ace, you changed my life. Thank you."

The members of Rush, including Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee, also expressed their sadness, saying they were “absolutely stunned” by his passing.

Posting backstage photos, the band reflected on the early days of their career, when they toured as KISS’s opening act, and remembered the playful moments they shared.

"Back in 1974, as the opening act for KISS, Alex, Neil (Peart, drummer) and myself spent many a night hanging out together in his hotel room after shows, doing whatever nonsense we could think of, just to make him break out his inimitable and infectious laugh," they wrote. "He was an undeniable character and an authentic rock star. RIP Ace... thanks for welcoming us newbies into the rock and roll world."

Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello also paid tribute, calling Frehley his “first guitar hero.”

"The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n roll and love rock n roll guitar playing," he said, referring to the star’s Space Ace persona. "His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten. Thank you, Ace for a lifetime of great music and memories."

Poison frontman Bret Michaels shared a personal message to his “brother” on X, thanking him for the years of friendship and music.

"I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we've done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time. All my love and respect, from my family and myself - may you rest in peace!!!" he wrote.

KISS frontman Gene Simmons also remembered his longtime friend, calling him an “eternal rock soldier.”

Frehley was one of the founding members of KISS before leaving the band in 1982 to pursue other creative ventures. He later returned for their 1996 reunion tour, solidifying his legacy as one of rock’s most influential guitarists.