As reported earlier this week, former KISS crew member Eddie Balandas passed away in his sleep on Monday, October 10th, in the early hours of the morning from what appears to be the final stage of congestive heart failure.

Original KISS guitarist ACE FREHLEY has issued the following statement: "I was very saddened to hear of the passing of my old bodyguard and dear friend, Eddie Balandas... We had recently spent some time together in Indianapollis, Indiana this past August, and enjoyed reminiscing about our funny experiences together on tour with KISS in the 70s... he had a heart of gold and was one of a kind! "

Photo: Eddie and Ace in Los Angeles at the Hyatt House on the Sunset Strip, around 1992.

Balandas' funeral service will be held on Monday, October 17th, 2011 at the Alliance-Gaidas-Daimid Funeral Home - 4330 South California Avenue - Chicago, IL 60632 - located in Chicago's BrightonPark.

More information about visitation time will be available from the funeral home at Phone Number (773) 523-0440 or Toll Free at (800) 747-2692 Ext: 116789 after 8 pm October 13, 2011.

Eddie was a KISS band crew member in their early years and is known as the "Voice of KISS" on the Alive II album where his announcement of the band is boldly proclaimed: "You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world, KISS!"

The last number of years Eddie enjoyed fishing and attending KISS Expo’s where he totally enjoyed talking to everyone and tell story after story. Eddie would talk to KISS fans and answer questions until the very early hours of the morning. If you would like to hear his bigger than life voice and some of his stories go to www.podkisst.com and select #47: The Voice of Alive II Speaks.

In his younger years Eddie was an excellent trumpet player and received several Gold records for his part in a variety of songs – one most notable that most people recognize is 'Brandy'. He was also part of the SHA-NA-NA group for a time but missed out when they went on to begin TV shows.

Please visit Eddie’s Facebookpage to leave condolences or stories for family and friends who sorely miss him.