Ace Frehley – legendary guitarist, known to the world as “Spaceman” – died on October 16 at the age of 74 in Morristown (New Jersey). According to his family, the musician “passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones” after a fall at his home. Although the investigation into his death is still ongoing, one thing is certain – his figure will remain in the history of rock forever.
Now the artist’s fans have decided to honor his memory in an unusual way. A petition has appeared on the Change.org platform to award Frehley the posthumous title of honorary NASA astronaut. The idea, initially joking, quickly turned into a serious campaign – several hundred people have already signed it.
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“He played a space cadet, but he never became one.”
The author of the initiative is a fan of Kathryn, who mentioned the musician’s nickname in the description of the petition:
“The world has lost not only a legend and rock icon, but also a good man. Paul Daniel ‘Ace’ Frehley had the courage to take the first step that led him to the phenomenon known today as KISS. Although most of his dreams came true, one was never realized.”
“He only played a space cadet until the end of his life. He never really became one. In tribute to his memory and his unfulfilled dream, NASA should posthumously appoint him a captain – an honorary astronaut. Because such an extraordinary being deserves an equally extraordinary farewell. His last countdown should be the best,” we read further in the appeal.
NASA has not yet commented on this initiative, although the number of signatures on the Internet is constantly growing.
Co-creator of the rock phenomenon
Frehley was one of the founders of KISS – together with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss, he created a band in 1973 that revolutionized the rock scene. Characteristic make-up, spectacular concerts and a mixture of hard rock and theatricality made the group one of the greatest pop culture phenomena of the 20th century.
Ace had a hand in creating many immortal hits, including “Detroit Rock City”, “Love Gun” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You”. He first left the band in the 1980s to pursue a solo career. He returned to KISS in 1996, but ultimately left six years later.
“He will always be a part of KISS”
After his death, former colleagues and friends spoke out. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley wrote in a statement quoted by Page Six:
“We are devastated by Ace’s passing. He was an irreplaceable rock warrior during the most important formative years of KISS. He will always be part of our legacy. Our thoughts are with his family and fans around the world.”
Posthumous honors and tributes
In early December, Ace Frehley will become the third musician in history to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor posthumously – after Glenn Frey of The Eagles and Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead (via Far Out).
His successors and idols from various musical worlds also paid tribute to the guitarist – from Maynard James Keeran (Tool), through Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), to Nile Rodgers, Steve Vai, John 5 and Alice Cooper.