Death is a fact of life that we see every day. It’s even more prevalent and in our minds as we get closer to the unavoidable. More often than not, a celebrity death is mostly a news blurb that doesn’t really affect us. Occasionally, one happens that feels more personal because that celebrity’s output was part of the soundtrack of our lives. Very few celebrity passings have really had a profound effect on me. I was too young to grasp the gravity of the loss of John Lennon. The first time I really felt shock at the death of any celebrity was the double gut punch of Eric Carr and Freddie Mercury dying on the same day in 1991. The second time it happened was when Layne Staley passed. I wasn’t surprised by his passing, but saddened because I always hoped he’d beat his demons. This past week, original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley died at the age of 74. Anyone who knows me even in passing is well aware that KISS has always been my favorite band. To be honest, I was doing OK with the news until I saw this picture. (Link to the OP will be in the first comment.) This is by far the best, and most fitting, tribute to Ace that I’ve seen. My sincerest condolences go out to Jeanette, Monique, Gene, Paul, Peter, and everyone else close to Ace. Fly high, Rock Soldier!