The surviving members of KISS honored their late co-founder Ace Frehley during the opening night of their KISS Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas event on November 14, 2025. Paul Stanley shared emotional words before a moment of silence, prompting fans to chant Frehley's name and hold up candles. This marked the band's first performance since Frehley's death on October 16 at age 74.
Tribute Details
At the outdoor concert outside Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, Paul Stanley addressed the crowd before the unmasked set began. 'Obviously, before we get going — and we’re going to have an awesome time — we just wanted to take a moment to think about somebody who was at the foundation of this band. And we’re talking about Ace,' Stanley said. 'We certainly had differences, but that’s what family is about. Why don’t we take a moment, little quiet, and think about him looking down on us — from Jendell, probably — and let’s have a moment for Ace.'
Following the brief silence, fans chanted 'Ace! Ace! Ace!' while Stanley encouraged them to raise electric candles in honor of the guitarist, known as the Spaceman.
The band, consisting of Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer, then opened with 'Comin’ Home,' a song co-written by Stanley and Frehley. Stanley also joked about the landlocked event, saying, 'Here we are. No ship,' and suggested returning to a cruise format next year.
Background and Reactions
Frehley, KISS's co-founder and iconic guitarist, died on October 16, 2025, from injuries sustained in an accidental fall. His family stated, 'We are 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. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.'
Gene Simmons mourned in a statement: 'Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Center Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!'
This three-day event, announced in March 2025, is KISS's first since their End of the Road Tour concluded in December 2023 at Madison Square Garden.