Gene Simmons has publicly stated that the unexpected death of his former KISS bandmate, Ace Frehley, was attributable to what he characterized as a pattern of “bad decisions.”
Frehley—an original member of the iconic rock group—passed away on October 16 at the age of 74, following the withdrawal of life support after a hospitalization. In November, authorities classified his death as accidental, concluding that it resulted from head injuries sustained during a fall in his home studio.
In an interview published by The New York Post, Simmons, 76, expressed that Frehley had repeatedly declined advice from those close to him, including Simmons, concerning lifestyle changes. Simmons stated that, in his view, Frehley’s longstanding choices contributed to the circumstances leading to his passing. He further observed that a fall alone would not necessarily be fatal and suggested that additional underlying issues may have been involved, noting that the situation was deeply distressing to him.
Simmons remarked, “The saddest thing is that one ultimately bears the consequences of one’s decisions.” Following Frehley’s death, Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss—the other founding members of KISS—attended an intimate memorial service held in late October in the Bronx, where Frehley was born. Simmons later described the funeral, which included an open casket, as profoundly heartbreaking.
Simmons also reflected on Frehley’s absence at the upcoming Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, where KISS is among the honorees, expressing sorrow that Frehley did not live to witness the recognition.
In earlier comments to People magazine, Simmons acknowledged personal regret, stating that he and others close to Frehley might have done more to encourage healthier choices, admitting that they often avoided difficult conversations to prevent conflict during tours. He added that, in hindsight, a greater degree of “tough love” might have been beneficial.
Frehley, known for his “Spaceman” persona, co-founded KISS in 1973 and served as the band’s lead guitarist until his departure in 1982. He later rejoined the band in 1996 for a reunion tour before leaving again in 2002. His death left Simmons and Stanley “devastated,” and they led tributes honoring his legacy.
The band later reunited for the three-day “KISS Kruise: Landlocked” event, the first performance since Frehley’s passing. During the event, Stanley publicly acknowledged Frehley’s foundational role in the band despite past personal differences.
Simmons and Stanley also participated in the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors medal presentation ceremony at the White House. Simmons is additionally scheduled to testify before the United States Senate on December 9 in support of the American Music Fairness Act—legislation requiring radio broadcasters to compensate recording artists for the use of their work.
Earlier in the week, Simmons made an unscheduled appearance in the White House press briefing room, from which his family encouraged him to exit as members of the press gathered around him.#newsafro_
