KISS' head of security has passed away following a 'brutal fight' with liver cancer. Danny Francis worked with the band for a number of years but co-lead guitarist Paul Stanley has now announced the tragic death of his colleague.
He wrote on Instagram: "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."
It all comes just days after a memorial service was held for band member Ace Frehley. The rock group's original guitarist was placed on life support after suffering a bleed on the brain following a fall in his studio several weeks ago, which led to the cancellation of his upcoming tour dates, and he eventually passed away at the age of 74.
Another tribute to Danny came from fellow KISS employee Keith Leroux, who shared an emotional message onto social media. He wrote: "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 death came after weeks of speculation over his health. After his fall and the subsequent cancellation of his tour, a statement posted on his official Instagram page on 25 September reassured fans: "He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time."
However, a week later, another statement was released: "Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates." His family revealed the news of his passing, with a statement that read: "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 musician was a founding member of KISS alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss. He played guitar for the band from 1973 to 1982 before leaving due to creative differences and struggles with substance abuse.
After departing KISS, Frehley embarked on a solo career, forming the band Frehley's Comet, which performed together from 1984 to 1988. He rejoined KISS for their 1996 reunion tour, the Alive/Worldwide Tour, and stayed with them until 2002. A celebration of his life took place in New York City earlier this week.
Prior to his death, it was revealed that Gene had been rushed to hospital following a car crash. He was taken to a Malibu hospital after fainting at the wheel and crashing his car into a parked vehicle.
Gene, 76, crashed his Lincoln Navigator into a parked car whilst driving along the Pacific Coast Highway after passing out. He was taken to hospital but has now been released and it recuperating at home, according to his wife, Shannon Tweed.
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