Despite numerous line-up changes over five decades, the foundational magic of KISS remains inextricably linked to the four original members, particularly Ace Frehley. His persona as The Spaceman with his signature smoking guitar defined the sound and spectacle of early KISS, making him one of rock's most imitated guitar heroes. The legendary guitarist passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 74, following a fall. To truly appreciate his legacy, one only needs to revisit some tracks where his rebellious spirit shone brightest.

Though he has had a tumultuous history with the band, the power of his riffs and songwriting from their classic era continues to be celebrated by fans. The ten tracks that follow provide a definitive celebration of the Spaceman’s indelible mark on rock history.

Although he delayed taking on lead vocals, Ace Frehley was crafting essential tracks for KISS albums from their earliest days. The snotty, metallic ‘Parasite’, a live favorite from ‘Hotter Than Hell’, perfectly showcases his impact on the band’s early, raw sound. This brush-off track, sung by Gene Simmons, stands as a prime example of the undeniable contributions Frehley made to the group’s foundational success.

His contributions to the ‘Hotter Than Hell’ album were vast, including a heavy, dark track where his otherworldly guitar work stole the spotlight from the lead vocalist.

Frehley was responsible for three excellent songs on the ‘Hotter Than Hell’ album, including the heavy, psychedelic ‘Strange Ways’. Despite shying away from lead vocals and handing the microphone to Peter Criss, Frehley ensured his presence was felt. He delivered the trippiest, most otherworldly, and effects-laden guitar solo of his career over the band's sinister rumble, making himself emphatically heard above the mix.

His sole songwriting contribution to the debut album became a long-lasting concert staple, despite its dark subject matter and the irony of its vocalist.

Frehley's only songwriting credit on the debut KISS album was the legendary ‘Cold Gin’. Featuring a central riff reminiscent of The Rolling Stones, the track sadly recounts the tale of an alcoholic seeking the cheapest daily fix. Despite the depressing theme, it became one of the band's most enduring concert anthems. Ironically, teetotaler Gene Simmons was the one who performed the lead vocals for years.

It took six albums and a near-tragedy for the Spaceman to finally step up to the mic, resulting in a memorable track that became his essential live showcase.

After six albums, the Spaceman finally sang his first lead vocal on a KISS song with ‘Shock Me’, a track inspired by his on-stage near-electrocution. Frehley's loopy, slightly off-kilter vocal style was never better showcased than when laid over the song's lazy, grinding riff. The track rightfully served as his primary showcase piece during the band's live concerts for many years.

Though technically a cover and on a solo record, this infectious track remains the one for which Ace Frehley is most widely recognized around the world.

Though it did not appear on a KISS album, ‘New York Groove’ was the highly infectious ode to the Big Apple that became Frehley's biggest hit. It was a perfect match for his vocal delivery and straight-ahead guitar style. Despite being a cover, its total blast of energy and iconic sound ensured that it remains the track for which the Spaceman is most known to the general public.

His 1978 solo record was widely considered the best of the four released simultaneously, largely thanks to blistering, direct tracks like this one.

Frehley's 1978 solo album was lauded for its superior material, which displayed more humor, texture, and technical dexterity than much of the band's recent output. ‘Rip It Out’ is among the album's most direct and forceful statements. Frehley unleashes a blistering central riff and angrily directs an ex-lover to depart, illustrating the raw, potent energy that was driving his creativity during this break from the band.

While known for his rock party anthems, one instrumental track unexpectedly revealed a profound, sensitive side to his artistry.

Frehley unveiled surprising emotional depth on ‘Fractured Mirror’, the instrumental closer of his 1978 solo album. The track demonstrated that his playing could communicate more serious, sensitive thoughts than his party-focused lyrics ever did, painting evocative pictures in the listener's mind without requiring a single word.

While the rest of the group briefly lost their direction, Frehley found his groove by simply sticking to his signature style of charmingly loose rock and roll songs.

During a period when his bandmates seemed preoccupied with trend-chasing, Frehley delivered the gloriously loose rock song ‘Torpedo Girl’ on ‘Unmasked’. He largely ignored the commercial shifts happening within KISS, instead offering a charming, goofy nautical adventure. The track’s infectious upbeat refrain makes it an undeniably fun and memorable moment, proving Frehley was hitting his stride as a confident songwriter and vocalist.

When his bandmates chased bizarre concepts and trends, Frehley marked his exit with a defiant, hard-charging track that demonstrated what they would soon be missing.

Frustrated by the band's increasingly pop and disco-friendly direction, Frehley used the concept album ‘The Elder’ to signal his departure. He said goodbye with the hard-charging ‘Dark Light’, featuring a strong chorus and a particularly extended, blazing guitar solo. The song served as a statement to his bandmates, showcasing the raw talent that they were about to lose as he prepared to exit the group.

The reunion album offered a brief, tantalizing glimpse of the authentic Frehley sound that fans had been missing.

On the 1998 reunion album ‘Psycho Circus’, Frehley delivered what was the most genuine KISS track with ‘Into the Void’. This song tragically became a final, powerful reminder of the unique energy and authentic rock sound Frehley could instantly inject into the band's material.

The enduring quality of these ten tracks serves as a permanent testament to the deceased Spaceman’s unique artistry.

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What is your favorite track of Ace Frehley? Let us know in the comments below.