Pearl Jam's Mike McCready and the members of Rush have led tributes to original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley.

On Thursday, a family representative announced that the rock musician had died at the age of 74.

Frehley had been on life support and a ventilator after suffering a brain bleed caused by a fall at his home about three weeks ago.

Following the sad news, McCready took to Instagram to post a throwback photo of himself and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder looking at the guitarist "in awe" backstage at a concert.

"All my friends have spent untold hours talking about KISS and buying KISS stuff. Ace was a hero of mine and also I would consider a friend. I studied his solos endlessly over the years...," he recounted. "I would not have picked up a guitar without Ace and KISS's influence. RIP it out Ace, you changed my life. Thank you."

In addition, the members of Rush, including Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee, noted they were "absolutely stunned" to learn of Frehley's passing.

Alongside backstage photos, the band recalled how they once served as the opening act for KISS and some of the antics they got up to at the time.

"Back in 1974, as the opening act for KISS, Alex, Neil (Peart, drummer) and myself spent many a night hanging out together in his hotel room after shows, doing whatever nonsense we could think of, just to make him break out his inimitable and infectious laugh," they wrote. "He was an undeniable character and an authentic rock star. RIP Ace... thanks for welcoming us newbies into the rock and roll world."

Elsewhere, Rage Against the Machine star Tom Morello described Frehley as his "first guitar hero".

"The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n roll and love rock n roll guitar playing," he commented, referring to the artist's Space Ace persona. "His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten. Thank you, Ace for a lifetime of great music and memories."

Meanwhile, Poison star Bret Michaels posted a heartfelt tribute to his "brother" via X.

"I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we've done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time. All my love and respect, from my family and myself - may you rest in peace!!!" the rocker added.

And in his own statement, KISS frontman Gene Simmons labelled his friend as an "eternal rock soldier".

Frehley was a founding member of KISS but left the band in 1982 to pursue other projects. Following a solo career, the musician rejoined the group for a reunion tour in 1996.