Gene Simmons discussed former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley’s studio absence in an interview with Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin.
“An outside musician Dick Wagner playing guitar on a few songs because Ace Frehley by that time had given in to his weaknesses and wouldn’t show up in the studio,” Simmons explained. “And I love Ace, and I love Peter. It’s just so sad that happened to them.”
“The fans hated me for it,” he continued. “But it’s like your mom telling the kids that ‘Your father’s a drunk and a loser.’ Kids don’t want to hear that. But it’s the truth.”
“All these decisions are just hurting himself, nobody else,” Simmons added. “Everybody thinks you can’t get along without me. Actually spare tires are just as good as the real tires, and the car moves along just fine.”
These recent comments shed light on the ongoing tensions between KISS members over several decades.
Guitar World revealed that Simmons and Frehley’s complicated relationship began in 1973. Frehley’s exceptional playing style impressed Simmons during his audition. However, a misunderstanding nearly led to a physical altercation.
The studio tensions Simmons mentioned weren’t isolated events. Frehley’s personal struggles affected band recordings. This situation forced the band to bring in outside guitarist Dick Wagner.
American Songwriter documented Frehley’s recent vocal opposition to KISS co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. His main grievances centered on his exclusion from farewell shows and the band’s transition to a virtual format.
The relationship between the original members remains strained. Both sides maintain their positions about the past events and decisions that shaped the band’s journey.
