Gene Simmons has walked back his controversial comments about the death of his former KISS bandmate Ace Frehley, issuing a rare public apology after fans and industry peers called out his earlier remarks. Frehley, the band’s original lead guitarist, died in October at age 74 from injuries sustained during a fall the month prior. While his family shared that he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, Simmons initially suggested that Frehley’s death stemmed from “bad decisions” tied to his past struggles with alcoholism.
On Wednesday, December 10, Simmons addressed those comments directly. “On reflection, I was wrong for using the words I used,” Simmons wrote on X. “I humbly apologize.”
Gene Simmons Walks Back Statement About Ace Frehley
Simmons initially spoke to The New York Post following Frehley’s passing, saying, “He refused [advice] from people that cared about him – including yours truly – to try to change his lifestyle. 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.”
Those remarks immediately drew backlash, especially given that Frehley had reportedly been sober for more than 20 years. Simmons also added, “The saddest thing — you reap what you shall sow, unfortunately,” comments many fans felt were unnecessarily harsh toward someone who had just died.
Now, Simmons says he understands why those statements upset so many. “My hand to God I didn’t intend to hurt Ace or his legacy,” he wrote in his apology. “But upon rereading my words, I see how it hurt everyone. Again, I apologize. I’ve always loved Ace. Always.”
Remembering Ace Frehley’s Lasting Impact
Frehley’s family responded to his death in an emotional statement. “We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” they said. “Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
KISS released their own tribute to their founding guitarist, calling him an “essential and irreplaceable rock soldier.” “He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy,” the band wrote. “Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Simmons also posted his personal message the day Frehley died: “Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times.”
The acknowledgment came just days before KISS received a Kennedy Center Honor in 2025, a milestone Frehley “didn’t live long enough to see,” Simmons said.
Frehley co-founded KISS with Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss in 1973, performing with the group through 1982 before returning for the 1996 reunion tour and remaining with the band until 2002.
