In the vast galaxy of rock and roll, some fan campaigns burn brighter than others. From saving a TV show to lobbying for a Hall of Fame induction, fan passion can be a powerful force. But every so often, a campaign emerges that is so wonderfully strange, it demands attention. This is one of those times.
A vocal contingent of KISS fans are campaigning for Ace Frehley to be made an honorary astronaut posthumously. The movement, gaining traction on social media, has a truly cosmic goal: to have the legendary guitarist officially recognised by NASA for his cultural contributions.
A Cosmic Campaign for ‘The Spaceman’
The argument from fans is simple: for decades, as “The Spaceman” or “Space Ace,” Frehley brought interstellar wonder to millions. His silver makeup and smoking Les Paul guitar became synonymous with rock’s grandest theatrical ambitions.
The campaign, using hashtags like #SpacemanInSpace and #AceForApollo, highlights this cultural impact. “For a generation of kids,” one popular post on X reads, “Ace Frehley WAS our first astronaut. He made space cool before we even knew who Neil Armstrong was. It’s time to make it official!” A Change.org petition echoes this, arguing that Frehley’s persona as a guitar-slinging alien from the planet Jendell inspired countless future scientists and dreamers.
One Giant Gaffe for Fankind
The campaign is a heartfelt tribute to a man whose character was built on the fantasy of space travel. He represented the thrilling unknown—rock and roll’s final frontier. There is, however, one significant detail that the “posthumous” part of the campaign seems to have overlooked.
Ace Frehley is very much alive.
Yes, the 73-year-old rock icon is still on this mortal coil. He released a new solo album, “10,000 Volts,” earlier this year and continues to tour. The well-intentioned campaign for a posthumous honor has become a source of both confusion and amusement online, a fascinating case study in how a collective idea can take flight with one crucial wire crossed.
From Viral Mistake to Inside Joke
It’s unclear how the “posthumous” angle entered the narrative. Some speculate it was a typo in an early post that was copied across platforms, while others suggest it was a simple misunderstanding. Whatever its origin, the gaffe has not derailed the spirit of the movement.
In fact, many fans have embraced the error with a knowing wink. The hashtag has been humorously amended by some to #AceIsAliveAndWantsHisNASAHelmet. The core message remains the same: a desire to see their hero recognised for his unique contribution to pop culture’s fascination with space.
While NASA has yet to comment on the matter, one can only imagine Frehley’s reaction. Known for his signature cackle, he is almost certainly having a good laugh. It’s a bizarre tribute, but a tribute nonetheless—a testament to an icon so legendary, his fans are already planning his legacy, even if they’re a few decades early.
