Gene Simmons issues an apology for claiming former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley died as a result of ‘bad decisions’

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Gene Simmons has apologized for saying that Ace Frehley, a former member of KISS, passed away because of poor choices he made.

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of this incredible musician. He was 74 years old and sadly died in October after a fall at his New Jersey home caused a brain bleed. It’s just a terrible loss.

Gene, age 76, recently suggested there might have been reasons other than what was assumed that contributed to his death. However, after facing criticism for seeming insensitive, he now says he regrets making those suggestions.

Okay, so he finally posted something! My absolute idol, you guys! And it was…amazing. He basically admitted he messed up with some things he said. He said, and I quote, ‘On reflection, I was wrong for using the words I used.’ Can you believe it?! He actually said he was wrong! I’m literally screaming. It’s just…so human, you know? I’m so relieved he addressed it. This is everything!

I sincerely apologize. I truly didn’t mean to cause any pain to Ace’s fans or disrespect his memory, but looking back, I realize my words were hurtful. I apologize again, and want to emphasize that I’ve always admired Ace.

As someone who’s observed a lot of creative personalities over the years, I was saddened to hear Gene Simmons discuss Ace Frehley’s health struggles. In a recent interview, Gene mentioned that Ace, one of the original members of KISS and a key player during their ‘Crazy Crazy Nights’ era until 2002, hadn’t been receptive to advice from those who were concerned about his well-being. It’s a tough situation when you see someone you care about not taking steps to protect their health, especially when people are offering genuine support.

The celebrity told the New York Post that he ignored advice from people who cared about him, including myself, to make healthier life choices.

Life has been a series of poor choices. While a fall – and I’m no medical expert – isn’t usually fatal, there were likely other underlying problems, and it’s truly devastating.

‘The saddest thing. You reap what you sow, unfortunately.’

Honestly, attending Ace’s funeral was just devastating. It really hit me hard. I also felt so sad that he wasn’t there with the guys when they received their Kennedy Center Honors on December 7th – it should have been a moment they all shared together.

Gene announced last month that a seat would be reserved in memory of Ace at the Kennedy Center Honors.

During a recent performance in California, the 76-year-old musician shared a story about Ace Frehley, a founding member of their band who he’s known for many years.

‘Very sad. Paul and myself and Peter Criss, we went to Ace’s funeral. He sadly passed. 

The most heartbreaking thing, beyond the pain for his friends, family, and especially his daughter and wife, is that Ace won’t be there with us on December 7th when KISS is honored at the Kennedy Center. It’s a real loss that he won’t get to experience that special moment with us and the president.

To honor Ace, we’ll leave one of the four chairs vacant with his name on it, recognizing his presence with us in spirit, even though he can’t be here in person.

KISS was created in New York City in 1973, and Ace Frehley, famous for his Spaceman character, played lead guitar for the group.

He played with the group until 1982, when he started his own band called Frehley’s Comet.

I was absolutely thrilled when Ace rejoined KISS in 1996 for that reunion tour! It was amazing to see him back with the band. Sadly, he eventually left again in 2002, which was really disappointing for all of us fans.

Gene and Paul Stanley were deeply saddened by Ace Frehley’s death and publicly shared heartfelt tributes to the rock icon when he passed away.

The Medical Examiner’s Office in Morris County, New Jersey, determined that Ace died from a head injury sustained in a fall.

The Daily Mail received the complete medical examiner’s report, which revealed the actor died from a fractured skull and a significant bleed on the left side of his brain.

The musician had also suffered from a left temporal bone fracture as well as a stroke.

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2025-12-11 13:53