Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band KISS who captivated audiences with his elaborate makeup and smoke-filled guitar, has died. He was 74.

Frehley died peacefully on Thursday surrounded by family in Morristown following a recent fall, according to his agent.

Family members said in a statement they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.

KISS, whose hits included Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City, was known for its theatrical stage shows, with fireworks, smoking instruments and fake blood spewing from the mouths of band members in body armour, platform boots, wigs and signature black-and-white face paint.

Bandmembers took on the personas of comic book-style characters – Frehley was known as “Space Ace” and the “Spaceman.”

The band was extremely popular, especially in the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and licensing its iconic look to sell numerous products.

Frehley and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Frehley left the band in 1982, skipping the years when they took off the makeup and had mixed success. He performed both as a solo artist and with his band, Frehley’s Comet.

But he rejoined KISS in the mid-1990s for a triumphant reunion and restoration of their original style that came after bands including Nirvana, Weezer and the Melvins had expressed their affection for the band and paid them musical tributes.

Frehley’s is the first death among the four founding members, a group that also includes singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss.

Frehley’s family wrote in the statement: “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!”

His longtime bandmates, Kiss‘ Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, wrote in a statement: “We are 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’ legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”