Gene Simmons, the frontman of the iconic rock band KISS, has recently spoken out about the tragic death of former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. According to Simmons, Frehley’s passing was a result of a series of “bad decisions.” Frehley, a founding member of KISS, suffered blunt-trauma injuries to his head from a fall at his New Jersey home studio in October, leading to his untimely death at the age of 74.
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In an interview with the New York Post, Simmons pointed towards substance abuse as a contributing factor to Frehley’s fatal fall. Simmons expressed regret that despite efforts from those who cared about him, including himself, Frehley did not heed advice to change his lifestyle. The rocker emphasised that the fall itself might not have been fatal, but it was a culmination of various issues and bad decisions that ultimately led to the tragedy.
The tragedy of Frehley’s passing was compounded by the fact that he could not witness the upcoming honour KISS is set to receive at the Kennedy Center, which added to Simmons’ sorrow. Despite their differences over the years, Simmons highlighted the impact of Frehley’s death on the band and the loss of a talented musician. The toxicology report on Frehley’s blood at the time of his death is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding his passing.
The KISS family, including members Paul Stanley and Peter Criss, attended Frehley’s private funeral service, reflecting on the legacy and impact of their former bandmate. Simmons also shared that tough love may have been a necessary approach in attempting to support Frehley and Criss better, indicating a desire for a different outcome in retrospect. This introspection on past decisions and actions underscores the deep connection within the band and the sense of responsibility felt by its members.
Frehley’s contribution to KISS, both during his initial tenure from 1973 to 1982 and upon his return in 1996, was significant and memorable. His musical talent and presence on stage were integral to the band’s success and enduring legacy. The news of Frehley’s death sent shockwaves through the music world, leaving fans and peers mourning the loss of a true rock icon.
As the music industry continues to remember and honour Ace Frehley, his impact on rock music and his place in KISS’s storied history remain indelible. The insights shared by Gene Simmons offer a glimpse into the complexity of relationships within the band and the challenges they faced together. The legacy of Ace Frehley lives on through his music and the memories he created during his time with KISS, leaving a lasting imprint on the rock music landscape.