Ace Frehley (in the persona of "The Spaceman"), of the rock group Kiss, performs at the Civic Auditorium in Long Beach, Calif., May 31, 1974. | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

A look back at the esteemed personalities who left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.

By CBSNews.com senior producer David Morgan. The Associated Press contributed to this gallery.

Ace Frehley (April 27, 1951-Oct. 16, 2025) was a founding member and lead guitarist of the rock band Kiss, whose theatrical makeup, costumes and stagecraft made them a leading proponent of glam rock in the 1970s and '80s.

Born Paul Daniel Frehley into a musical family, he played guitar since age 13, and performed with bands around New York City. At 18 he was a roadie for Jimi Hendrix.

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