KISS’ head of security, Danny Francis, has sadly passed away after a battle with liver cancer, just days after the death of the band’s original guitarist, Ace Frehley
KISS’ head of security, Danny Francis, has tragically lost his battle with liver cancer just weeks after KISS legend Ace Frehley passed.
The devastating news was revealed by the band’s co-lead guitarist, Paul Stanley, who turned to Instagram to share the heartbreaking loss of his longtime mate and colleague.
Stanley 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.”
This crushing blow arrives mere days following the memorial service for KISS band member Ace Frehley. The original guitarist had been put on life support after suffering a brain bleed triggered by a tumble in his studio weeks earlier, reports the Mirror US.
This tragic accident forced the scrapping of his planned tour dates and eventually led to his death at the age of 74.
A second moving tribute to Danny came from fellow KISS staff member Keith Leroux, who poured out his grief on social media, penning: “Ah, what a terrible week in KISS World … Only a few days after attending Ace’s funeral, my dear friend Danny Francis has passed away.
“I’m sure most of my KISS friends here on Facebook know this gentle giant of a man from either meeting him backstage or at KISS meet and greets around the world. He always had a kind word and a welcoming demeanor for our guests and the fans.”
For Ace, his passing followed weeks of worry regarding his health.
After his accident and the subsequent tour cancellation, a message posted on his official Instagram account on 25 September provided reassurance to fans, “He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time.”
However, just one week later, another update was issued that stated, “Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates.”
His family confirmed the heartbreaking news of his death, issuing a statement that 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!” The rock icon was a founding member of KISS, alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss. He played the guitar for the band from 1973 to 1982 before leaving due to creative differences and struggles with addiction.
Post-KISS, Frehley embarked on a solo career and established the band Frehley’s Comet, which performed together from 1984 to 1988. He returned to KISS for their 1996 reunion tour, the Alive/Worldwide Tour, and remained with them until 2002.
Earlier this week, a tribute to his life was held in New York City.
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