Kiss frontman Gene Simmons believes “unhealthy choices” resulted within the dying of his former bandmate, Kiss guitarist and cofounder Ace Frehley.
In an interview with the New York Publish, revealed on Saturday, December 6, Simmons, 76, detailed his perspective. “He refused [advice] from those that cared about him — together with yours really — to attempt to change his way of life. Out and in of unhealthy choices. Falling down the steps — I’m not a physician — doesn’t kill you. There might have been different points, and it breaks my coronary heart,” Simmons stated.
He continued, “The saddest factor — you reap what you shall sow, sadly.”
Us Weekly confirmed on November 10 that Frehley died on the age of 74 after affected by a stroke and “subdural hematoma” attributable to a fracture to the again of his cranium, on October 16. His dying was dominated an accident. It was first reported on by TMZ on the time.
Simmons’ New York Publish interview additionally mentioned the non-public funeral service that was held for Frehley on October 22. “Peter Criss, our founding drummer, Paul [Stanley] and myself went to the funeral, open casket,” Simmons instructed the outlet. “It was simply heartbreaking.”
Frehley’s dying was confirmed by his household in a press release supplied to Us after his dying. “We’re utterly devastated and heartbroken,” the assertion learn. “In his final moments, we had been lucky sufficient to have been in a position to encompass him with loving, caring, peaceable phrases, ideas, prayers and intentions as he left this earth. We cherish all of his most interesting reminiscences, his laughter and have fun his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.”
Gene Simmons Amy Sussman/Getty Photographs
The assertion concluded, “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions and past comprehension. Reflecting on all of his unimaginable achievements, Ace’s reminiscence will proceed to stay on endlessly!”
The assertion additionally famous that Frehley died peacefully whereas surrounded by household in Morristown, New Jersey. The dying occurred simply 10 days after Frehley introduced that he would cancel the rest of a 2025 solo tour on account of medical points.
Ace Frehley Michael Loccisano/Getty Photographs
Moreover, the cancellation discover got here two weeks after Frehley pulled the pin on a scheduled September 26 present on account of a fall inside his dwelling that landed him within the hospital.
Us spoke with Frehley’s supervisor, John Ostrosky, within the days following his dying. “Since 1976, House Ace has been my Superman. His kindness, caring, and inclination to mentor was on the forefront till the very finish. His affect will stay with me endlessly,” Ostrosky instructed Us on the time.
UPDATE — 10/9/25 at 5:45 p.m. ET: Gene Simmons has damaged his silence two days after getting right into a automobile crash in Malibu. “Thanks, everyone, for the sort needs. I’m utterly wonderful,” Simmons wrote by way of X on Thursday, October 9. “I had a slight fender bender. It occurs. Particularly to these of us [who] had been […]
Kiss was composed of Frehley, Simmons, Stanley and Criss, rising to fame within the Seventies and boasting 14 platinum albums to its title. Frehley left the band in 1982 amid inventive variations, occurring to kind his personal band, Frehley’s Comet, earlier than shifting paths once more and going solo.
Frehley launched his first solo album, 10,000 Volts, in 2024. In an interview with SiriusXM in February, the musician revealed that he has began work on a brand new album of canopy tracks titled Origins Vol. 3.
