The head of security for iconic band KISS has passed away just days after the memorial service of legendary guitarist Ace Frehley.
Danny Francis passed away after a ‘brutal fight’ with liver cancer co-lead vocalist Paul Stanley announced on Instagram Sunday.
He shared a snap of the senior leader responsible for security strategies at one of the band’s gigs along with a touching caption on X (formally Twitter) as her wrote: ‘Danny Francis, my dear friend, assistant and so much more for 30 years of tours and life has died after a brutal fight with liver cancer.
‘He was loved by Erin and all my children and his kindness was given to everyone he came in contact with. My condolences to his entire family.’
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for the band and has yet to hear back.
The head of security for iconic band KISS – named Danny Francis – has passed away just days after the memorial service of legendary guitarist Ace Frehley, co lead vocalist Paul Stanley announced on Sunday
Just days ago, tragic KISS guitarist Ace Frehley’s bandmates reunited for a poignant memorial service this week, days after the musician’s shock death aged 74.
The rocker had been on life support in the hospital for weeks after a bad fall in his studio resulted in a brain bleed which reportedly took his life.
The intimate celebration of life was well attended in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City.
His bandmates – founding members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss – were all there, according to an eyewitness.
It was also claimed that former KISS manager Doc McGhee, and actor and stuntman Chuck Zito were there.
There was a loving memorial prayer seen, which read in part, ‘Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.’ The passage was from John 14: 1-3, 27.
On Thursday, there was a memorial service in New York for KISS guitarist Ace Frehley who tragically died last week at the age of 74. Seen in 1975
Eddie Trunk wrote on Instagram, ‘Ace has now been laid to rest in Bronx NY. It has been an emotional couple of days to say the least saying farewell to a rock icon and long time friend’
Radio DJ Eddie Trunk wrote on Instagram, ‘Ace has now been laid to rest in Bronx NY. It has been an emotional couple of days to say the least saying farewell to a rock icon and long time friend.
‘All of the services went as well as they could and were attended by a small group of family and close friends, including the 3 surviving original members of KISS.
‘It was an honor to be invited to attend and participate and saw some old friends and made some new ones celebrating Ace. His family did give me the okay to pursue a tribute show / fan celebration at some point.
‘That’s something I feel, and many others feel, is deserved and should happen. There is nothing at all to share yet on this, but when there is you will for sure know about it.’
Eddie ended with: ‘I think it’s important for Ace’s legacy, his fans, and the countless guitar players he influenced. Again when there is real news and a real plan on this I’ll let you know. For now crank up the music and remember and celebrate Ace for all he gave us and left us with.’
The shock death of Frehley is under investigation with a toxicology report ordered.
TMZ reported on Wednesday that Frehley’s passing is being investigated by a New Jersey medical examiner – with a Morris County Medical Examiner representative confirming that no autopsy was conducted after his shock death from a massive brain bleed.
There will also be a reported ‘external body examination.’
The representative revealed the musician’s cause of death will be finalized in the ‘next few weeks’ after the toxicology report is completed.
The founding guitarist of KISS passed away on October 16 – with his family issuing a heartbreaking statement.
The rocker had been on life support in the hospital for weeks after a bad fall in his studio resulted in brain bleed which took his life. Seen in 2009
From left, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Paul Stanley and Frehley in Miami in 1999
They said: ‘We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.
‘We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.
‘The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!’
In September, it was revealed that Ace was in a hospital after suffering a fall.
A statement posted on his Instagram page read: ‘Dear Rock Soldiers, Ace had a minor fall in his studio, resulting in a trip to the hospital.
‘He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time. As a result, he is forced to cancel his performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California on Friday, September 26th.
‘Please go to the fair to support his friends in Quiet Riot and Vixen, and Ace looks forward to continuing on his tour and finishing work on his next album, ‘Origins Vol. 4. [rocket and lightening emojis].’
Ace – whose real name was Paul Frehley – played with KISS from its inception in 1973 until his departure in 1982. He subsequently formed his own band named Frehley’s Comet, and even enjoyed success as a solo artist.
Monique Frehley with her father in an online tribute
Frehley in 1999 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida
Ace discussed his own musical legacy during a 2024 interview with Anti Hero magazine.
He said at the time: ‘I have to say, almost every guitar player I meet, at least 75 percent, if not more, say to me, “I picked up the guitar because of you. When I heard Alive! that was it, I decided to pick up a guitar and start learning your songs.”‘
Frehley is the first member of the original four members of Kiss to pass away. The original lineup consisted of him, singer/guitarist Paul Stanley, bass player Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss.
The musical ensemble, which formed in 1973, in 2014 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Frehley played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s wild, face-painted legacy, bringing essential elements of showmanship to KISS’s act.
The band famously blended hard rock anthems – such as Detroit Rock City, I Was Made for Lovin’ You, and Rock and Roll All Nite – with elaborate costumes, wigs, platform boots and over-the-top pyrotechnics.
Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette and his daughter Monique.
Last week Simmons and another KISS bandmate, Paul Stanley, described Frehley as an ‘irreplaceable rock soldier’ following his death, aged 74.
The two KISS guitarists have led tributes to their late bandmate – who died on October 16 following a recent fall at his home – admitting they have been left ‘devastated’ by his passing.
Gene and Paul wrote in a joint statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter: ‘I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley.
‘He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history.
‘He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.’
