The Original KISS Members: Where Are 'The Demon,' 'Starchild,' 'Catman,' And 'Spaceman' Now In 2025?

The legacy of the original KISS lineup remains one of rock's most compelling and dramatic stories, even as the band's touring life concluded and the members pursue new paths in late 2025. The iconic quartet—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss—defined an era of theatrical, hard-driving rock and roll, setting the standard for arena spectacle. While the band itself officially retired its touring boots with the "End of the Road" farewell, the individual members continue to make headlines, with recent events ranging from a major solo album announcement to the tragic loss of a founding member. This in-depth article, updated for December 2025, explores the complete profiles of the four founding members and provides the most current information on their activities, solo careers, and the enduring impact of their larger-than-life personas: The Demon, The Starchild, The Spaceman, and The Catman.

The Original Four: Complete Biographical Profiles

The original lineup of KISS, formed in New York City in January 1973, was a powerhouse of distinct personalities and musical roles, each adopting a legendary stage persona that became synonymous with the band's identity.

• Gene Simmons ("The Demon")
  • Original Name: Chaim Witz (later Gene Klein)
  • Born: August 25, 1949, in Haifa, Israel
  • Role: Bass Guitar, Lead Vocals
  • Persona: The Demon, known for his tongue-wagging, fire-breathing, and blood-spitting stage antics.
• Paul Stanley ("The Starchild")
  • Original Name: Stanley Harvey Eisen
  • Born: January 20, 1952, in Queens, New York, U.S.
  • Role: Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals
  • Persona: The Starchild, the band's primary showman and co-frontman, recognizable by the star painted over his right eye.
• Ace Frehley ("The Spaceman")
  • Original Name: Paul Daniel Frehley
  • Born: April 27, 1951, in The Bronx, New York, U.S.
  • Died: October 16, 2025, at age 74
  • Role: Lead Guitar, Vocals
  • Persona: The Spaceman (or Space Ace), the mysterious, often stoic figure whose smoking guitar solos became legendary.
• Peter Criss ("The Catman")
  • Original Name: Peter George John Criscuola
  • Born: December 20, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
  • Role: Drums, Vocals
  • Persona: The Catman, whose makeup represented his tough, streetwise New York roots and his love for cats.

The Tragic Loss of Ace Frehley and His Enduring Legacy

The world of rock and roll was shaken in late 2025 by the passing of original lead guitarist Ace Frehley. Frehley, known universally as "The Spaceman," was celebrated for his signature guitar tone, bluesy licks, and the iconic special effects that accompanied his stage presence.

Ace Frehley's Cause of Death and Final Days

In October 2025, Ace Frehley, at 74, died following complications from a fall at his home. The official cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries to the head. Prior to his passing, Frehley had canceled the remainder of his previously announced 2025 solo tour dates due to unspecified "medical issues." The news brought a somber closure to the tumultuous relationship between the founding members. Both Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley attended Frehley's memorial service, underscoring the deep, complicated bond that tied the original four members together despite decades of feuds and separations. Frehley’s death marks the first loss among the four founding members, solidifying his status as a rock legend whose influence on countless guitarists remains paramount. His solo work, including the 1978 self-titled album and later releases like *Anomaly* and *Origins*, continues to be highly regarded by fans, often cited as some of the best material to come from any KISS member.

Current Projects and Post-KISS Life in 2025

With the "End of the Road" tour concluded, Simmons and Stanley—the two remaining constants of the band—have shifted their focus, while Peter Criss has re-emerged with a significant new project.

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley: The Future of the KISS Brand

While the touring version of KISS has retired, the *brand* is far from over. At the conclusion of their final live show, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley announced the creation of digital avatars, a new venture designed to continue the KISS experience in a virtual, immortal format. This move ensures that the band's visual and musical spectacle can continue indefinitely, without the physical limitations of its human members. Beyond the avatars, both Simmons and Stanley are active in their own right:

• Gene Simmons: "The Demon" is back on the road with the Gene Simmons Band. He has announced an expanded schedule of solo shows throughout the spring of 2025, focusing on smaller venues to deliver a more intimate, raw rock experience compared to the massive KISS stadium shows. Simmons has also maintained his blunt, often controversial commentary on the state of the music industry.
• Paul Stanley: "The Starchild" has hinted strongly at the possibility of new KISS music being created for the avatar project or other ventures. He recently confirmed that he has been writing, stating that he only writes when there is an active project, which suggests new material is probable. Stanley also remains involved in his other musical pursuits, including his soul band, Soul Station, and a new project called Stanley Simmons, featuring his son, Evan Stanley, and Gene Simmons' son, Nick Simmons.

Peter Criss's Surprise Return with a New Rock Album

In a major update for the KISS Army, Peter Criss, "The Catman," is set to release his long-awaited new solo album. Titled simply *Peter Criss*, the album is scheduled for release on December 19, 2025, marking his first solo rock album since 2007's *One For All*. Criss’s new record is described as a straight rock album and features an impressive lineup of guest musicians, including guitar virtuoso John 5 and bass legend Billy Sheehan. This announcement has generated significant buzz, as it represents a major return to the spotlight for the drummer who co-wrote and sang the band's biggest hit, "Beth." Criss's continued musical output, alongside Simmons' and Stanley's new ventures, confirms that the creative fire of the original KISS members continues to burn brightly, even after the final curtain call of the touring band.

The Enduring Question: Why Did the Original Lineup Break Up?

The question of why the original KISS lineup dissolved remains a central point of discussion among fans and music historians, often fueling speculation and LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) searches. The initial split occurred between 1978 and 1980, primarily due to creative differences, substance abuse issues, and mounting internal tensions. Peter Criss was the first to depart, officially leaving in 1980 after his drumming style began to clash with the band's increasingly hard rock direction, exacerbated by his personal struggles. Ace Frehley followed in 1982, frustrated with the band's shift away from hard rock and toward a more commercial sound, as well as his own desire for a full-time solo career. Despite the acrimonious splits, the original four reunited for the highly successful 1996 Alive/Worldwide Tour, bringing back the iconic makeup and costumes. However, this reunion was short-lived, with Criss and Frehley once again departing due to renewed personal and professional conflicts, leading to the current lineup of Stanley, Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer, who performed the final "End of the Road" shows. The recent outpouring of respect following Frehley's death, however, serves as a poignant reminder of the powerful, albeit volatile, bond that defined one of rock's most successful and influential groups. The legacy of "The Original Four" is one of unparalleled spectacle and musical genius, a story that continues to evolve in 2025.