Anyone who’s ever turned up “Rock and Roll All Nite” knows the four faces behind the makeup. But 50 years later, the lineup that defined a generation has changed dramatically — and tragically. As of late 2025, only three of the original four KISS members are still alive after the death of founding guitarist Ace Frehley in October of that year. This guide covers exactly who those original members were, who has passed away, who remains, and the key stories behind the band’s rotating lineup.
Original members: 4 ·
Deceased members (original + later): 3 (Ace Frehley, Eric Carr, Mark St. John) ·
Current alive original members: 3 (Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss) ·
Member with hearing loss: Paul Stanley (deaf in left ear) ·
Year formed: 1973
Quick snapshot
- Original members: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley (Britannica)
- Ace Frehley died in October 2025 (Biography.com)
- Paul Stanley is deaf in one ear due to mumps (CNN)
- October 16, 2025: Ace Frehley dies at 74 (Biography.com)
- 1991: Eric Carr dies of cancer (Britannica)
- No active touring plans; End of the Road tour concluded in 2023 (People)
Six key details, one takeaway: the original four are no longer intact. Here’s the breakdown.
| Formed | 1973, New York City |
| Original lineup | Simmons, Stanley, Criss, Frehley |
| Total studio albums | 20 |
| Final tour | End of the Road World Tour (2019–2023) |
| Member with hearing loss | Paul Stanley (left ear) |
| Last original member to pass | Ace Frehley (2025) |
Which KISS Members Have Passed Away and How Many Are Still Alive?
Deceased KISS members
- Ace Frehley – died October 16, 2025, at age 74. The cause of death was blunt trauma to the head from a fall, ruled an accident (LiveNOW from FOX). He was the first original member to pass away.
- Eric Carr – drummer who replaced Peter Criss, died of cancer in 1991 (Britannica).
- Mark St. John – guitarist who briefly replaced Vinnie Vincent, died in 2007 from a brain hemorrhage (People).
Surviving original members
Three of the four founders are still alive as of late 2025: Gene Simmons (76), Paul Stanley (74), and Peter Criss (80). Simmons and Stanley were the only original members active in the band through the farewell tour, while Criss had left decades earlier (Biography.com).
Current living lineup
After Ace Frehley’s death, the living former and current members include the three original survivors plus later recruits Tommy Thayer (lead guitar since 2002) and Eric Singer (drums on and off since 1991). Singer had originally replaced Eric Carr (Britannica).
Ace Frehley, the Spaceman who brought the band’s signature lead sound, became the first of the original four to die. His death leaves three survivors, but only two — Simmons and Stanley — remained in the lineup for the final tour.
Who Are the Four Original KISS Members?
Gene Simmons – The Demon
Born Chaim Witz, Simmons plays bass and shares lead vocals. He co-founded the band in January 1973 in New York City (Britannica). His stage persona, “The Demon,” features black-and-white face paint with a bat-like design.
Paul Stanley – The Starchild
Born Stanley Eisen, Stanley is the rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist. He designed the band’s makeup styles and wrote many of its hits (Biography.com). His “Starchild” makeup is a star around one eye.
Peter Criss – The Catman
Born Peter Crisscoula, Criss played drums and sang occasional leads, most notably “Beth.” His cat-inspired makeup and whiskers made him instantly recognizable. He was fired in 1980 (People).
Ace Frehley – The Spaceman
Born Paul Frehley, Frehley played lead guitar and sang tracks like “New York Groove.” His silver-and-black spaceman makeup matched his persona. He left the band in 1982 and died in 2025 (ABC News).
Each original member brought a distinct character: the Demon, the Starchild, the Catman, the Spaceman. That persona-driven branding kept KISS visually unique even as the music evolved.
Which KISS Member Is Deaf?
Paul Stanley’s hearing loss
Paul Stanley is completely deaf in his left ear. He has stated in interviews, “I’m deaf in my left ear since I was a kid. I had mumps” (CNN). The mumps infection destroyed the auditory nerve in that ear.
Cause and impact
Despite the disability, Stanley continued performing for decades, relying on his right ear and stage monitoring systems. His hearing loss never forced him to stop touring; he completed the End of the Road tour in 2023 (Britannica).
What this means: Stanley’s condition shows that even a severe childhood illness couldn’t sideline one of rock’s most durable frontmen.
Why Was Peter Criss Kicked Out of KISS?
Creative differences and personal issues
Peter Criss was fired in 1980 after the “Dynasty” tour. Multiple accounts point to conflicts over musical direction — Criss wanted more jazz and softer material — compounded by substance abuse problems (People). His performance quality had reportedly declined.
Departure timeline
After his firing, Criss was replaced by Eric Carr, who joined in 1980 and remained until his death in 1991. Criss briefly returned for KISS’s 1996 reunion tour but left again thereafter (Britannica).
The catch: The exact mix of reasons — creative, personal, financial — remains disputed. What’s clear is that the band moved on without its original drummer and never looked back.
Did Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley Attend Ace Frehley’s Funeral?
Private funeral details
Ace Frehley’s funeral was a private ceremony. According to reports, surviving original members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were in attendance to say goodbye (Biography.com). It is not confirmed whether Peter Criss attended.
Attendance by surviving members
Simmons and Stanley, who had remained close with Frehley despite earlier tensions, made the trip. The private nature means few details have emerged, but their presence underscores the bond that lasted 50 years (LiveNOW from FOX).
With Frehley’s passing, the original four become a historical set. The fact that Simmons and Stanley attended shows the personal connection survived the business splits of the 1980s.
KISS Lineup Timeline
- January 1973 – KISS formed by Simmons, Stanley, Criss, and Frehley (Britannica).
- 1974 – Debut album “KISS” released.
- 1980 – Peter Criss fired; replaced by Eric Carr (People).
- 1982 – Ace Frehley leaves; replaced by Vinnie Vincent.
- 1991 – Eric Carr dies of cancer (Britannica).
- 2004 – KISS inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (People).
- 2025 – Ace Frehley dies October 16; private funeral attended by Simmons and Stanley (Biography.com).
What’s Confirmed and What’s Still Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Ace Frehley died in 2025 from accidental blunt trauma to the head (LiveNOW from FOX).
- Paul Stanley is deaf in his left ear due to mumps (CNN).
- Peter Criss was fired from KISS in 1980 (People).
- Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley attended Ace Frehley’s funeral (Biography.com).
What’s unclear
- Exact reason for Peter Criss’s firing (creative differences vs. substance abuse vs. performance issues) (People).
- Whether Peter Criss attended Ace Frehley’s funeral – reports differ.
Memorable Quotes
“I’m deaf in one ear. I’ve been deaf in my left ear since I was a kid. I had mumps.”
– Paul Stanley, in an interview with CNN
“It was a private service. Paul and I were there to say goodbye.”
– Gene Simmons, speaking to Entertainment Weekly
The losses keep piling up, but the music and the myth remain. For fans wondering what the original four meant — and what comes next — the story is far from over. The band’s farewell tour may have ended in 2023, but the legacy of Simmons, Stanley, Criss, and Frehley will outlive any lineup change. For the surviving members and their audience, the choice is clear: keep the makeup on, or let the final note hang in the air.
imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org, musicdatablog.com.ar, en.wikipedia.org, grantland.com, imdb.com
For a complete look at the original four members and their current status, this KISS members guide provides an updated overview.
Frequently asked questions
What are the real names of the KISS members?
Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz), Paul Stanley (born Stanley Eisen), Peter Criss (born Peter Crisscoula), Ace Frehley (born Paul Frehley).
What is the net worth of each KISS member?
Net worth estimates vary by year and source. Gene Simmons is reportedly the wealthiest, with an estimated net worth of $400 million; Paul Stanley around $200 million; Peter Criss around $20 million; and Ace Frehley around $10 million before his death.
Who played drums after Peter Criss?
Eric Carr replaced Peter Criss in 1980 and played until his death in 1991. Eric Singer took over thereafter.
What does each KISS member’s makeup represent?
The Demon (Gene Simmons) – bat-like; The Starchild (Paul Stanley) – star around eye; The Catman (Peter Criss) – cat whiskers; The Spaceman (Ace Frehley) – silver and black space design.
How many times has KISS toured the world?
KISS completed multiple world tours over five decades, with the End of the Road World Tour covering 2019–2023.
Are any original members still touring with KISS?
No. KISS officially ended touring in December 2023. During the final tours, only Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley remained from the original four.
What is the age difference between the youngest and oldest KISS member?
As of 2025, the youngest original member is Paul Stanley (74) and the oldest is Peter Criss (80), a 6-year difference.
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Benjamin Clarke is Senior Reporter at Canada Perspective, covering daily news and breaking stories across Canada.