Gene Simmons Apologizes For “Wrong” And “Hurtful” Remarks About Late KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley

Gene Simmons has walked back comments he recently made about the passing of former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, acknowledging that his earlier statement came across as cruel during a moment when fans and family were still grieving.

Frehley died on October 16th, 2025 at age 74 due to complications from a severe head injury sustained during a fall in his New Jersey studio. According to medical reports, he suffered a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, and stroke. Doctors attempted multiple interventions but were ultimately unable to save him, leading to the family’s difficult decision to remove him from life support.

Last week, Simmons spoke to the New York Post and suggested that Frehley’s death was tied to long-standing personal “bad decisions,” saying the tragedy wasn’t simply the result of a fall. The comments sparked immediate backlash online, with fans accusing Simmons of using Frehley’s legacy as a platform to moralize rather than mourn — especially given the pair’s complicated history.

The timing also raised eyebrows, as Simmons appeared shortly afterward at the Kennedy Center Honors, where KISS was celebrated by President Donald J. Trump, and Frehley’s daughter Monique accepted the posthumous recognition on her father’s behalf.

Today (December 10th), Simmons issued a public apology, stating that his choice of words did not reflect the love and admiration he still holds for his former bandmate:

“On reflection, I was wrong for using the words I used. I humbly apologize. My hand to God I didn’t intend 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.”

The apology marks a shift in tone for Simmons, who has long had a reputation for blunt — sometimes harsh — public commentary on former members of KISS. Whether fans accept this attempt at reconciliation remains to be seen, but for now, Simmons appears to be putting respect ahead of rivalry.

Do you love independent bands, or are you in one? The Mosh Network is not just a rock/metal news website, but it doubles as an independent band directory, designed so that visitors can browse independent bands by not just subgenre, but location as well. It’s perfect to keep your finger on the pulse of your area’s hottest and newest bands or if you’re in a band, it’s a great way to find bands to network with! Click the banner below and start discovering bands all over the world, now!