Gene Simmons Reflects on Ace Frehley’s Death

In a recent conversation, Gene Simmons, the frontman of KISS, discussed the factors he believes contributed to the death of guitarist Ace Frehley. He referred to a series of “bad decisions” that may have played a significant role.

Simmons pointed to drug abuse as a likely contributor to Frehley’s passing at 74 on October 16, which followed a fall at his home studio in Morristown, New Jersey, resulting in a brain hemorrhage.

“He wouldn’t listen to those who cared about him,” Simmons noted. “It’s a painful truth. While I’m not a doctor, it’s clear that falling down the stairs isn’t typically fatal. There could have been underlying issues, and it truly breaks my heart,” he added.

A report from the Morris County coroner indicated that Frehley died from blunt force trauma to the head due to the fall, with a toxicology report pending regarding his blood.

Simmons, who is 76, expressed a somber sentiment: “It’s tragic. Life has its consequences.” He emphasized that Frehley’s situation, perhaps, serves as a reminder of the repercussions that come from one’s choices.

Currently, Simmons and other surviving band members are in Washington, D.C., where they are set to accept an honor at the Kennedy Center and speak before the Senate. He reflected on attending Frehley’s private funeral on October 22, saying, “It was heart-wrenching. Peter Criss, Paul [Stanley], and I all went. We opened the casket, and it was just… heartbreaking.” He lamented that Frehley didn’t get to witness the acknowledgment of KISS’s impact on music, remarking on the impressive figures expected to honor the band.

“It’s simply sad,” he added.

Simmons had previously shared with a magazine about the pressures that might have kept the band from stepping in earlier. “With everything going well—tours, fan support—there’s a tendency to overlook someone who’s struggling,” he explained. “It’s selfish, but it happens. It’s unfortunate—I mean, someone close to you could be falling apart.”

Frehley had previously responded to Simmons’s comments about him, criticizing the negativity regarding his past issues with alcohol and reliability. “Your remarks over the years have cost me a lot. I’ve been sober for over 12 years, yet you still doubt my ability to perform!” Frehley had declared.

Throughout his life, Frehley faced various challenges, including legal troubles and addiction. He initially helped form KISS in 1973 but left the band in 1982, briefly rejoining in 1996 before parting ways again in 2002. Despite their past differences, Simmons and the other members appeared to put aside hostilities in recognition of Frehley’s legacy.