Tributes to KISS band member Ace Frehley have been pouring in since his death last week at the age of 74. As a kid, I wasn’t a huge fan of the band’s music (even during my BC days), but I did find their makeup intriguing. In fact, one Halloween—a long time ago—three friends and I dressed up as the iconic rock group. I was Ace.

Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley (April 27, 1951–October 16, 2025) invented the Spaceman character, aka “Space Ace,” and originally played guitar for the group from its founding in 1973 until his departure in 1982. He joined a newly re-constituted version of the group in 1996 and stayed until 2002.

If memory serves, that Halloween was the last time I ever wore makeup. You can determine if that’s a good thing or not. 🙂