Gene Simmons Opens Up About Ace Frehley’s Death and His Relationship With Peter Criss

Gene Simmons has reflected on the fractured relationships within KISS’ original lineup, speaking candidly about the late Ace Frehley and where things currently stand with former drummer Peter Criss.

Speaking with Michael Moynihan on The Moynihan Report, the KISS bassist rejected the suggestion that money was at the heart of the problems between himself and Paul Stanley and their former bandmates.

“It was not money based. It was drugs and alcohol, sadly. Not with Paul or myself. And we love them, and without Ace and Peter, we wouldn’t be here,” Simmons said (per Blabbermouth).

Frehley, KISS’ founding lead guitarist, sadly died aged 74 in October last year following a fall. His death was later ruled accidental, with the Morris County Medical Examiner determining he died from blunt trauma injuries to the head.

Frehley’s influence extended beyond KISS

Simmons said Frehley’s influence extended well beyond KISS, pointing to musicians including Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell and Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready.

“Ace had a massive influence on guitar players — Dimebag Darrell [of PANTERA], Mike McCready of PEARL JAM, METALLICA, PEARL JAM, just everybody across the line,” he said.

Simmons also recalled a confronting conversation with Frehley during one of his departures from KISS.

“Ace told me to my face when he was leaving the band, ‘I’m gonna have a solo career ’cause if I go out on tour again, I’m gonna kill myself.'”

The bassist was similarly forthright when discussing his present day relationship with Criss, who originally departed KISS in 1980 before later returning for the band’s reunion era.

“When we’re with each other, it’s great,” Simmons said. “As you go apart… Ah, it’s tough for me to be honest and stuff. Peter’s always considered himself a victim: ‘They ganged up on me, and look what they did to me,’ and stuff like that.”

Despite those tensions, Simmons said his relationship with Stanley has remained strong, pointing to their shared work ethic and outlook as the foundation of a partnership stretching back more than five decades.

Criss, Simmons and Stanley were the three surviving members of KISS’ original lineup following Frehley’s death.