Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has raised eyebrows with a recent Instagram video post extending a friendly gesture to his ex-bandmate Paul Stanley.
This move comes as a surprise given the history of public disagreements and criticisms between the two. In his Instagram video, the musician wished Stanley a belated happy birthday, saying:
“Hey, Ace Frehley here. I’d like to wish Paul Stanley a belated happy birthday. Paul, good luck with all your projects and endeavors in 2024. Keep on rockin’, and God bless.”
His thoughts were also expressed in his post’s caption, writing:
“Happy belated birthday to the one and only Paul Stanley. Keep on rockin’, and God bless!”
Mixed Reactions From Fans
The response from fans to Frehley’s gesture has been mixed. Some express disbelief and disapproval, citing Stanley’s past treatment of former KISS members and the controversial use of avatars for Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer in their shows. One comment noted:
“Paul doesn’t deserve his best wishes and words. He never mentioned you or gave the opportunity for the former members to play in the last gig for the last time (which is a shame). Even worse: created f*cking bullsh*t of avatars with Tommy and Eric appearance (to stay in eternity – as they say). Well, Ace, I know you are humble and sweet heart guy but, no, Paul and Gene do not deserve your kindness. Sorry!”
Others see this as a positive step, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and the legacy of KISS. Another comment added:
“I Love seeing this! We will never know what went on behind closed doors or what these guys went through collectively or individually… but… Regardless what’s been said, done, or wronged these guys are brothers, and collectively created something that impacted and will continue to impact people all over the world. Seeing differences put aside for a moment to show some love is awesome.”
One fan noted the odd timing, pointing out that Frehley had recently criticized Stanley in the media, saying:
“Wasn’t Ace just slagging Paul to the media a few days ago?”
Recent Tensions Highlighted
The guitarist’s recent comments about KISS and Paul have been predominantly negative. In an interview with Chaoszine, he criticized Stanley’s vocal abilities and expressed confusion over not being invited to KISS’s last concert at Madison Square Garden.
Frehley was also upset with Stanley’s remarks on the Howard Stern Show, where Stanley mocked the idea of Ace and Peter Criss performing with the band. Additionally, the rocker claimed Paul was jealous of his music career and was unsure how Stanley would react to his new solo album, ‘10,000 Volts.’ He said:
“I’ve been touring without KISS for years. I mean, KISS hasn’t put out an album in what, nine years; I’ve put out five or six. And [my upcoming] album [‘10,000 Volts’] I think is gonna really turn heads. I know Gene’s [Simmons] gonna really like it and tell the press he does like it. I have no idea what Paul Stanley’s gonna say. He usually holds back on any deep praise for me because he’s jealous of me.”
As of now, there has been no public response from either KISS or Stanley regarding Frehley’s recent birthday message. You can see the guitarist’s post on Instagram here.
