The original KISS lineup—Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley—was intact until October 2025, when Frehley died at 74, changing the band’s member status for the first time in its 52-year history. This article separates the original four from later lineups, answers the most common fan questions about their personal lives and departures, and relies on verified public records.
Last checked: 2026-09-24
Band Name: KISS · Formed: 1973 in New York City · Original Members: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss · Genre: Hard rock, heavy metal, glam rock
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-24.
Sources reviewed: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Biography.com, People.com, The Guardian, Best Classic Bands, Encyclopedia.com, official band website (archived), Google People Also Ask.
We did not conduct on-site visits or staff interviews; all claims are drawn from publicly available, third‑party verified records.
Snapshot: verified facts about the original KISS members
- Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley (Biography.com)
- Died October 16, 2025 (The Guardian)
- 74 years old
- 1 of 4 original members has died (Best Classic Bands)
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Band Name | KISS |
| Formed | 1973 in New York City (People) |
| Original Members | Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss (Britannica) |
| Genre | Hard rock, heavy metal, glam rock |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Years active | 1973–present |
| Founding members (enduring) | Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley |
| Original lead guitarist | Ace Frehley |
| Original drummer | Peter Criss |
| Key later members | Eric Carr, Vinnie Vincent, Mark St. John, Bruce Kulick, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer (People) |
| Alive original members (post-2025) | Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss (3 of 4) |
How many members of KISS are still alive?
As of late 2025, three of the four original KISS members—Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss—are alive. Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist, died on October 16, 2025, at age 74, as reported by The Guardian. His death marked the first loss from the founding quartet that formed in New York City in 1973.
Which one of the KISS members just passed away?
Ace Frehley died on October 16, 2025. Coverage from Best Classic Bands confirmed that he was the first original KISS member to pass away. Co‑founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley released a statement saying, “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley” (Hollywood Life). The news prompted tributes across the music world.
Without Ace Frehley, Kiss could not have achieved their greatness.
– The Guardian editorial, October 2025
The implication: for the first time in 52 years, the original KISS lineup is incomplete.
Who are the four original KISS members?
The founding lineup of KISS, assembled in New York City in 1973, consisted of Gene Simmons (bass, vocals), Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar, vocals), Ace Frehley (lead guitar), and Peter Criss (drums). Each adopted a distinct persona: Simmons as “The Demon”, Stanley as “The Starchild”, Frehley as “The Spaceman”, and Criss as “The Catman”.
The bottom line: these four musicians, all under 30 at the start, created the iconic makeup and stage show that defined KISS.
Why did Ace and Peter leave KISS?
Peter Criss was dismissed from KISS in 1980 following what the band described as declining performance and growing personal tensions. He was replaced by drummer Eric Carr. Ace Frehley departed in 1982, citing creative differences and personal issues. Both later returned for reunion tours—most notably during the 1996–2001 reunion and the 2019–2023 “End of the Road” world tour, although Frehley’s final appearances with the band were limited.
Does Peter Criss get along with Gene Simmons?
Relationships between the former members have been uneven. While Simmons and Stanley have consistently maintained a professional front, Criss and Frehley have voiced frustrations in interviews about financial arrangements and creative control. Music historians often note that the business side of KISS, controlled by Simmons and Stanley, created lasting friction with the other two originals.
The pattern: the two longest-tenured members (Simmons and Stanley) kept the band alive, while Criss and Frehley became occasional participants.
Do Paul and Gene get along?
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, the only continuous members of KISS, have maintained what insiders describe as a professional, if sometimes competitive, relationship over five decades. Neither has publicly broken with the other, and they continue to collaborate on the band’s legacy projects. Biographical records from Britannica describe them as “co‑founders and enduring partners.”
Is Gene Simmons faithful to Shannon Tweed?
Simmons and Shannon Tweed have been married since 2011. While Simmons’s earlier reputation included numerous relationships, the couple has remained together publicly.
What happened to Gene Simmons’ son Nick?
Nick Simmons, born in 1989 to Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed, pursued a career in music and comics. He has occasionally performed with his father on stage.
How long did Cher date Gene Simmons?
Cher and Gene Simmons had a brief relationship in the 1970s, though neither has given a precise timeline. Simmons referenced the connection in his autobiography but Cher has rarely discussed it.
Did Gene and Paul attend Ace’s funeral?
Simmons and Stanley issued a joint statement expressing devastation at Frehley’s passing. Public records do not confirm their attendance at a private service, and the family’s funeral arrangements were not widely shared.
The trade-off: the public grief was clear, but the private dynamics remain guarded.
Key milestones in KISS history
- 1973 – KISS formed in New York City; Ace Frehley joins in January.
- 1980 – Peter Criss leaves the band; Eric Carr joins as drummer.
- 1982 – Ace Frehley departs KISS.
- 1991 – Eric Carr dies at 41.
- 2007 – Former guitarist Mark St. John dies.
- 2023 – KISS concludes its “End of the Road” tour.
- October 16, 2025 – Ace Frehley dies at 74.
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Frequently asked questions about KISS members
What are the KISS members’ nicknames?
Each original member adopted a stage persona: Gene Simmons is “The Demon,” Paul Stanley is “The Starchild,” Ace Frehley is “The Spaceman,” and Peter Criss is “The Catman.” These characters were central to the band’s elaborate stage show.
Which KISS member is the lead singer?
Paul Stanley is the primary lead vocalist, handling most of the band’s biggest hits such as “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City.” Gene Simmons also sings lead on several songs (“God of Thunder,” “Calling Dr. Love”). The vocal duties were split from the beginning.
How old are the KISS members?
As of October 2025, the ages of the original members are: Gene Simmons (born August 25, 1949) is 76; Paul Stanley (born January 20, 1952) is 73; Peter Criss (born December 20, 1945) is 79; and Ace Frehley (born April 27, 1951) died at 74.
When did Ace Frehley die?
Ace Frehley died on October 16, 2025.
How old was Ace Frehley when he died?
He was 74 years old at the time of his death on October 16, 2025.