Gene Simmons, the bassist of legendary rock band KISS, has issued a public apology regarding his previous comments about late guitarist Ace Frehley. The statement was shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The apology came after Simmons faced significant backlash from KISS fans and Ace Frehley’s family for his earlier remarks. He had blamed Frehley’s “bad decisions” for his death. Simmons has now reconsidered his words and expressed regret for the impact they had.
“On reflection, I was wrong for using the words I used,” Simmons said. “I humbly apologize. My hand to God I didn’t intend to hurt Ace or his legacy, but upon rereading my words, I see how it hurt everyone. Again, I apologize. I’ve always loved Ace. Always.”
Simmons’ apology marks a significant shift in his public stance following the guitarist’s passing in mid-October. The controversy surrounding his initial comments highlights the sensitivity of discussions about the circumstances of Frehley’s death. It underscores the importance of respectful discourse when addressing the loss of a beloved musician.
Metal Sucks reported that KISS’ Gene Simmons issued his statement and apology just days after making comments that blamed Ace Frehley for his mid-October death. The timing of the apology suggests that Simmons took time to reflect on the impact of his words before publicly addressing the matter.
The original controversy stemmed from Simmons’ questioning of the circumstances surrounding Frehley’s death. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that Gene Simmons had apologized for suggesting that “bad decisions” played a role in Ace Frehley’s death. Frehley, KISS’ founding lead guitarist, had passed away following what was ruled as accidental blunt force trauma from a fall.
This is not the first time Simmons has faced criticism for controversial remarks about a fellow musician’s passing. Blabbermouth revealed that Simmons previously apologized for controversial comments about the late artist Prince. He attributed his initial remarks to emotional reactions regarding addiction’s impact on families. This pattern suggests that Simmons has been working to address how his public statements are received and the unintended consequences they may have.
The apology represents an important moment for Simmons and the KISS community. It acknowledges the pain caused by his earlier comments and reaffirms his respect for Frehley’s legacy. By publicly expressing his regret and emphasizing his enduring affection for his former bandmate, Simmons has taken a step toward healing the rift created by the controversy. He has honored Ace Frehley’s memory with the dignity it deserves.
