Recently speaking to 94.7 WCSX in an exclusive interview, Peter Criss dismissed Gene Simmons’ allegations regarding KISS’s final concerts.
Contrary to the bassist’s alleged invitation for Criss and Ace Frehley, the drummer said, sharing his feelings about the conclusion of the band:
“It’s hard to believe it’s over. I’m truly touched by it. There were so many glorious years and the four of us created some really fun tunes and have the most incredible fan base a band could ever have. We are truly fortunate to have our fans all these years. Thank you KISS Army for the life that you gave me and the life that you gave all of us in KISS.”
Disappointment Over Exclusion From The Last Performance
Peter then expressed his disappointment that he and Ace, as KISS founding members, along with Bruce Kulick and Vinnie Vincent, were not invited to perform a few songs in New York as a gesture of appreciation for their fans’ years of support. He added:
“[I’m] in a good place in my life and very happy and very proud of what the four founding fathers of KISS created. It’s truly a blessing. There’s not much more a musician or artist could ask for than what God has blessed us with. And now the end is here. To quote our dear late manager Bill Aucoin, ‘onward and upward.'”
Simmons’ Invitation To Frehley And Criss For Final Shows
During a June conversation with Linea Rock, Simmons said he felt sad that Frehley and Criss couldn’t remain in the band, attributing their departures to personal issues like substance abuse. He mentioned that despite their refusal to join the final KISS concerts, they were still welcome to come back, explaining:
“The newer fans never saw them, and they don’t know. But the older fans wonder about Ace and Peter. Well, I asked both Ace and Peter a few times: ‘Do you wanna come out for the encores? Do you wanna do some shows?’ And they both said ‘no.’ So, I don’t know what to say about that… But it’s always welcome.”
Frehley’s Response To Alleged Invitations
However, in his previous remarks, recently speaking to SiriusXM, Frehley also supported Criss with his words on not being invited. The guitarist noted:
“No. You know what it is? Those guys use my name and Peter’s [Criss] name months ago. They said that they invited us to perform at that show. I never got a phone call. Peter never got a phone call. They just said that to sell tickets.”
Frehley also mentioned that Paul Stanley made negative remarks about him and Criss, suggesting they would ruin the KISS farewell show if they performed, which Frehley found insulting.
