Rock legend Alice Cooper has opened up about one of the hardest parts of being an aging musician — losing close friends and fellow rock icons. Following the passing of KISS co-founder and guitarist Ace Frehley on Thursday (October 16), Cooper took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute and reflect on the emotional toll that comes with outliving many of his peers.
Alice Cooper Mourns the Loss of Ace Frehley
In a deeply personal message posted on his official Instagram, Alice Cooper expressed sorrow over the loss of Ace Frehley, describing him as one of the most influential and beloved guitarists in rock history.
“The worst part of being in rock ‘n’ roll at this point is the fact that some of our fraternity have just reached that age where they’ve… they leave the planet,” Cooper wrote. “Some of the guys that started 30, 40, 50 years ago are starting to go, and of course Ace Frehley from KISS, one of the pioneers — one of the great guitar players out there.”
The tribute struck a chord with fans around the world, as Cooper voiced what many longtime rock musicians and fans have been feeling — a sense of collective loss as members of rock’s golden generation continue to pass away.
A Deep Bond Forged Through Rock ‘n’ Roll
Alice Cooper and Ace Frehley shared more than just stages — they shared decades of friendship, forged through years of touring and performing together. Cooper’s tribute highlighted the respect and admiration he held for the late guitarist, both as a musician and as a friend.
“Ace was an absolute guitar hero to so many people. I did more tours with him than anybody else, as far as opening for us, for quite a long time so… we became quite good friends. And you know he always brought it every night… He did it every night. And… it’s just hard to see somebody like that go,” he continued.
For Cooper, Frehley wasn’t just another peer in the industry — he was part of the larger brotherhood of rock ‘n’ roll, a tight-knit community of musicians who shared the stage, the road, and the lifestyle that defined an era.
Ace Frehley: The Space Ace and Guitar Pioneer
Ace Frehley, affectionately known as the “Space Ace,” helped define the sound and image of KISS, one of rock’s most theatrical and influential bands. His guitar solos, unique tone, and larger-than-life persona made him an icon in the 1970s and beyond.
Frehley’s passing on October 16 sent shockwaves through the rock community. His family confirmed that the guitarist died in Morristown, New Jersey, after suffering injuries from a fall. Tributes poured in from across the music world, including from KISS members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss, who all remembered Frehley as a cornerstone of the band’s legacy.
Alice Cooper’s post added a deeply emotional layer to those tributes, as he reflected not only on Frehley’s talent but also on the sobering reality of time catching up to rock’s elder statesmen.
The Emotional Reality of Aging in Rock
For Alice Cooper, who has been performing for over five decades, the loss of friends and collaborators has become an all-too-familiar part of life in the music industry. His message resonated with fans who have watched their favorite artists age — and, too often, pass away — after decades of shaping modern music.
“We know that right now that the KISS fans are certainly in mourning and certainly his family and certainly everybody that knew him. Ace was an ACE,” Cooper concluded.
It’s a statement that captures both admiration and sorrow — a recognition that while rock music remains timeless, its creators are human, and their losses are deeply felt.
Fans and Rock Community React
In the hours following Cooper’s post, thousands of fans and fellow musicians flooded social media with condolences and memories of Ace Frehley. Many praised Cooper for his candid words, noting that his message served as a reminder of the brotherhood that exists among classic rock artists.
On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote, “When Alice Cooper speaks, you listen. He’s seen it all, lived it all, and now he’s watching his brothers fall one by one. RIP Ace.” Another commented, “Alice’s tribute hit hard. These guys built rock ‘n’ roll. Legends like Ace never really die — their music keeps them alive.”
The reaction underscores how deeply intertwined the lives of these musicians are — and how their shared journeys continue to inspire millions of fans around the world.
