Mon Dec 08 12:00:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gene Simmons Speaks Out After Ace Frehley’s Death, Cites “Bad Decisions” as Contributing Factor
WASHINGTON, D.C. – KISS frontman Gene Simmons has publicly addressed the recent death of former bandmate Ace Frehley, suggesting that the guitarist’s history of substance abuse and poor lifestyle choices may have contributed to the fatal fall that claimed his life.
Frehley, 74, died on October 16th from complications stemming from a blunt trauma injury to the head sustained in a fall at his home studio in Morristown, NJ. While a medical examiner’s report cited the fall as the cause of death, Simmons implied deeper issues may have been at play.
“He refused [advice] from people that cared about him – including yours truly – to try to change his lifestyle. In and out of bad decisions,” Simmons told The Post. “Falling down the stairs — I’m not a doctor — doesn’t kill you. There may have been other issues, and it breaks my heart.”
Simmons, currently in Washington D.C. to receive a Kennedy Center Honor and advocate for performer royalties in the Senate, attended Frehley’s private funeral alongside fellow KISS members Paul Stanley and Peter Criss. He described the experience as “heartbreaking,” lamenting that Frehley wouldn’t be present to witness the band’s recognition at the Kennedy Center.
Simmons has previously acknowledged the pressures that may have hindered bandmates from intervening in Frehley’s struggles. Frehley himself publicly lashed out at Simmons in 2019, accusing him of slanderous remarks about his past substance abuse issues.
Frehley’s struggles with addiction have been well-documented. In 1983, he was arrested for driving under the influence after a car chase. He attended rehab in response.
Frehley was a founding member of KISS in 1973 but left the band in 1982. He rejoined for a reunion tour in 1996 and remained until 2002. Despite past feuds, Simmons and Stanley, along with Criss, united to honor Frehley’s memory.
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