Gene Simmons Apologizes for Comments on Ace Frehley’s Death: “I Was Wrong”

Gene Simmons admits he was wrong about Ace Frehley’s death, expressing heartfelt regret and apologizing for his earlier remarks.

Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons during their KISS days.

When Rock Legends Clash: The Story Behind the Apology

If you’ve ever been a fan of KISS, you know the saga between Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley isn’t just your run-of-the-mill band drama—it’s legendary in its own right. So, when news broke that Gene Simmons walked back his earlier comments about Ace Frehley’s death, it stirred quite the conversation in rock circles. Let’s dig into what went down.

Ace Frehley, the iconic “Spaceman” and founding guitarist of KISS, passed away at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey, on October 16. His death came as a shock to fans worldwide. The statement released at the time gently revealed Ace died “peacefully surrounded by family” following a recent fall at his home. The incident sparked an investigation, which later confirmed his death was accidental.

Gene Simmons’ Controversial Remarks at the Kennedy Center Honors

Fast forward to December 7, the day Donald Trump presented this year’s Kennedy Center honorees—including KISS, Sylvester Stallone, and Gloria Gaynor—with medals recognizing their lifetime achievements. Ace Frehley was honored posthumously alongside the band.

Before the ceremony, Simmons gave an interview to the New York Times, where he dropped some eyebrow-raising comments about Ace’s death. He suggested that “bad decisions” led to Ace’s fatal fall, subtly hinting at substance abuse as a factor:

“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. The saddest thing – you reap what you shall sow unfortunately.”

Oof. That didn’t sit well with many fans and fellow musicians alike.

A Change of Heart: Simmons’ Public Apology

Just a few days later, Simmons took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a heartfelt apology. Clearly reflecting on the impact of his words, he admitted he was wrong and did not intend to disrespect Ace or tarnish his legacy:

“On reflection, I was wrong for using the words I used. I humbly apologize. My hand to God I didn’t intended to hurt Ace or his legacy but upon rereading my words, I see how it hurt everyone. Again, I apologize. I’ve always loved Ace. Always.”

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) December 10, 2025

This apology felt genuine—like a rock veteran who’s been through the ups and downs of fame and friendship, realizing sometimes the truth needs to be handled with more care.

The Rocky Road of Simmons and Frehley’s Relationship

If you think this apology came out of nowhere, think again. The relationship between Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons was famously complicated. Back in 2019, Simmons openly claimed that substance abuse was the reason Ace was fired from KISS. Frehley pushed back hard, stating he was actually 12 years sober at the time and left “of my own free will, because you and Paul [Stanley] are control freaks, untrustworthy and were too difficult to work with.”

Their tense dynamic was almost as much a part of KISS lore as their hits. But beneath the clashes, there was undeniable history and respect for the music they created together.

Paying Tribute: KISS Honors Ace Frehley’s Legacy

In a touching moment on November 15, the surviving members of KISS paid tribute to Ace during their first “unmasked” show since retiring from touring. The audience was given electric candles to hold up during a moment of silence. Paul Stanley, always the poetic frontman, asked the crowd to remember Ace, referring to the fictional planet “Jendell,” Ace’s imagined home:

“We’re talking about Ace. We certainly had differences, but that’s what family is about. Why don’t we take a moment [and] think about him looking down on us from the fictional planet ‘Jendell, probably,’ which Ace often referred to as his home. Let’s have a moment for Ace.”

It was a poignant reminder that even with all the differences, the bond of music and brotherhood runs deep.

Fans Rally: Campaign for Honorary Astronaut Status

The love for Ace Frehley extends far beyond the stage. Following his passing, fans launched a petition on Change.org to posthumously award Ace honorary astronaut status—a fitting tribute to his “Spaceman” persona. The petition, initiated by a fan named Kathryn, has garnered over 3,000 signatures and continues to grow, showcasing how much Ace’s spirit and music touched lives.

Reflecting on a Rock Legend’s Legacy

Gene Simmons’ admission that he was wrong about his comments on Ace Frehley’s death serves as a reminder that even rock icons are human. Their lives, full of wild highs and lows, offer us stories rich with passion, flaws, and ultimately, redemption.

Have you ever witnessed a friendship or partnership evolve through conflict and reconciliation like this? What are your memories of Ace Frehley and that unforgettable KISS era? Share your thoughts below!

FAQ

• What caused Ace Frehley’s death?
  Ace Frehley died after a fall at his home, which was ruled an accident following a medical investigation.
• What did Gene Simmons originally say about Ace Frehley’s death?
  Simmons implied that “bad decisions” and lifestyle choices contributed to Ace’s fatal fall, suggesting substance abuse might have played a role.
• Did Gene Simmons apologize for his comments?
  Yes, Simmons publicly apologized on social media, expressing regret for his words and affirming his love for Ace.
• How did KISS honor Ace Frehley after his passing?
  The band paid tribute during their first “unmasked” show, asking the audience to hold up electric candles in his memory and reflecting on their shared history.
• What is the honorary astronaut petition about?
  Fans started a petition to convince NASA to award Ace Frehley honorary astronaut status, inspired by his famous “Spaceman” nickname and persona.

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