Career Timeline of Ace Frehley: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 7, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ace Frehley made an impact.

Ace Frehley is an American musician, best known as the original lead guitarist and a founding member of the rock band Kiss. He created the "Spaceman" persona and performed with Kiss from 1973 to 1982. After departing Kiss, Frehley formed Frehley's Comet and later pursued a solo career. He rejoined Kiss for a reunion tour in 1996, marking a significant moment in the band's history.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1980: Departure of Peter Criss from Kiss

In 1980, Peter Criss departed from Kiss. This departure marked the last time that the original four members of Kiss performed together live, until Ace Frehley rejoined in 1996.

1996: Rejoined Kiss for Reunion Tour

In 1996, Ace Frehley rejoined Kiss for a successful reunion tour, marking the first time the original four members performed live together since Peter Criss' departure in 1980.

1996: Departure of Bruce Kulick from Kiss

In 1996, Bruce Kulick departed from Kiss. 2018 was Kulick's first time performing with the band live since his departure.

2001: Departure from Kiss after "Farewell Tour"

After completing the "Farewell Tour" with Kiss in late 2001, Ace Frehley left the band and resumed his solo career.

2002: Final Performance with Kiss

After the end of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Ace Frehley performed one last time with Kiss.

2002: Last performance with Kiss before reunion

In 2002, Ace Frehley had last performed with Kiss for the closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics before his October 2018 reunion with Kiss on the Kiss Kruise.

May 25, 2006: Performance at VH1 Rock Honors

On May 25, 2006, Ace Frehley performed Kiss' "God of Thunder" with Rob Zombie, Slash, Gilby Clarke, Scott Ian, and Tommy Lee at the VH1 Rock Honors in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

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October 2018: Reunion Performance on Kiss Kruise

In October 2018, Ace Frehley and Bruce Kulick reunited with Kiss on the Kiss Kruise, performing "2,000 Man", "New York Groove", "Nothin' to Lose", and "Rock and Roll All Nite".

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January 31, 2019: Start of Kiss' Final Tour

On January 31, 2019, Kiss' final tour began in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, without Ace Frehley's participation.

2024: Release of 10,000 Volts

In 2024, Ace Frehley released 10,000 Volts, which debuted at No. 72 on the Billboard 200 with first week sales of 13,000 units and topped both the Billboard Hard Music and Rock Album Charts.