Peter Criss Says Making an Album With Ace Frehley Was a ‘Dream’ That Never Came True

For all the noise, makeup, and mythology that surrounded Kiss, some of the band’s most meaningful moments happened quietly, offstage.

Peter Criss has now opened up about one of his biggest regrets following the death of original Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley, revealing that the two never got the chance to make a full studio album together.

Speaking on the Podcast Rock City, Criss reflected on the emotional weight of Kiss being honoured at the Kennedy Center in December.

The surviving classic era members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Criss reunited on the red carpet less than two months after Frehley’s death, marking a bittersweet moment in the band’s long and complicated history.

“It was a dream. I could not believe this kid from the streets of Brooklyn, who grew up in four rooms with seven people, is standing in the Oval Office. It was surreal,” Criss said. “The worst thing was [original Kiss guitarist] Ace [Frehley] wasn’t there. I really miss him dearly. We were very close.”

Criss recalled how Frehley’s family attended the ceremony in his place, including his wife Jeanette and daughter Monique, one moment in particular stayed with him:

“What touched me about it the most was that the president got up from the desk, walked around, and gave Jeanette a hug in her wheelchair, and then gave Monique a big hug and put the medal on her. That brought tears to my eyes. I miss him dearly. There’s a big loss without Ace.”

Later in the conversation, Criss addressed a long held personal regret. “That was a dream of mine, that he and I would do an album together. I’m sorry that never happened,” he said.

Frehley, who died at age 74 following what Criss described as a tragic accident, remained prolific until the end, according to Criss, Ace had released more solo albums than any other Kiss member and was actively working on new material before his death.

“He was working on his new album before his tragic accident, and he was getting ready to go on another tour,” Criss said. “God bless him. And there’ll never be another.”