Gene Simmons is not one to apologize for his strong opinions, but even he acknowledges that his recent comments about the death of fellow KISS co-founder Ace Frehley were hurtful.
In a recent interview with the New York Post, Simmons said of Frehley’s passing, “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.”
In a post on X/Twitter early Wednesday morning, Simmons issued an apology, writing, “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.”
Ace Frehley died at the age of 74 in October after suffering a fall at his home studio. The New Jersey Morris County Medical Examiner ruled that the rock icon died as the result of blunt trauma injuries to his head due to the fall.
Simmons and the rest of KISS, including the late Frehley, were just feted at the Kennedy Center Honors this past weekend. The ceremony will air on CBS on December 23rd at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
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
