Gene Simmons recently commented on the tragic death of Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist of KISS. His statement was shared on the New York Post.
Simmons reflected on Frehley’s passing and suggested that years of substance abuse and ignored advice from those close to him contributed to his death. The KISS co-founder expressed deep sadness about the loss of his bandmate.
“He refused [advice] from people that cared about him — including yours truly — to try to change his lifestyle,” Simmons said. “In and out of bad decisions. Falling down the stairs — I’m not a doctor — doesn’t kill you. There may have been other issues, and it breaks my heart.”
Simmons emphasized the tragedy of Frehley’s inability to witness the recognition that KISS would receive. He noted that the band’s founding members attended the funeral.
“The saddest thing — you reap what you shall sow, unfortunately,” he continued. “It breaks my heart. Peter Criss, our founding drummer, Paul [Stanley] and myself went to the funeral, open casket. It was just heartbreaking. Saddest of all perhaps is that Ace just couldn’t stay alive long enough to sit there proudly at the Kennedy Center and listen to — I can’t even tell you who’s going to come out … really impressive people, just to say how much KISS meant to them. What can you say — sad.”
Simmons’ comments underscore the lasting impact of Frehley’s legacy within the band and the pain felt by those who knew him.
Frehley’s family announced his death in a statement shared with PEOPLE on October 16, 2025. The rocker, born Paul Frehley, died following a recent fall at his home in Morristown, New Jersey. According to reports, Frehley had been on life support due to a brain bleed caused by a fall that occurred several weeks prior to his death.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” the family statement read. “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.”
The family emphasized Frehley’s lasting legacy and the profound impact of his passing. “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!”
Frehley’s death marked the end of an era for KISS, one of rock music’s most iconic bands. The guitarist had been a founding member of the group and played a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound and visual identity throughout the 1970s and beyond. His contributions to rock music extended far beyond his work with KISS. He maintained a successful solo career and collaborated with numerous artists throughout his decades-long career in the music industry.
The loss of Frehley resonates deeply within the rock community. Fans and fellow musicians continue to celebrate his remarkable contributions to popular culture. His influence on generations of guitarists and musicians remains undeniable, cementing his place as one of rock’s most important figures.
