Gene Simmons blames ‘bad decisions’ for the death of former Kiss bandmate Ace Frehley

Kiss frontman Gene Simmons believes ‘bad decisions’ resulted in the death of his former bandmate, Kiss guitarist and co-founder Ace Frehley.

In an interview with the New York Postpublished on Saturday, December 6, Simmons, 76, outlined his perspective. ‘He refused [advice] of people who cared about him – including yours truly – to try to change his lifestyle. In and out of bad decisions. If you fall down the stairs – I’m not a doctor – you won’t die. There could have been other issues, and it breaks my heart,” Simmons said.

He continued, “The saddest thing is that unfortunately you reap what you sow.”

We weekly confirmed on November 10 that Frehley died at the age of 74 after suffering a stroke and a “subdural hematoma” caused by a fracture to the back of his skull on October 16. His death was ruled an accident. It was first reported by TMZ at the time.

Simmons’ New York Post The interview also discussed the private funeral service held for Frehley on October 22.Peter Krisour founding drummer, Paul [Stanley] and I went to the funeral, with the casket open,” Simmons told the outlet. “It was just heartbreaking.”

Frehley’s death was confirmed by his family in a statement to Us after his death. “We are devastated and heartbroken,” the statement said. “In his final moments, we were fortunate to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth. We cherish all his fondest memories, his laughter and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he gave to others.”

The statement concluded: “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions and incomprehensible. As we look back on all of his incredible achievements, Ace’s memory will live on forever!”

The statement also noted that Frehley died peacefully while surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey. The death occurred just ten days after Frehley announced he would cancel the remainder of a solo tour in 2025 due to medical issues.

Additionally, the cancellation notice came two weeks after Frehley pulled the pin during a scheduled September 26 show due to a fall at his home that landed him in the hospital.

Us spoke to Frehley’s manager, Johannes Ostroskiin the days after his death. “Since 1976, Space Ace has been my Superman. His kindness, caring and tendency to mentor were paramount until the end. His influence will remain with me forever,” Ostrosky shared. Us at the time.

Related: Kiss Rocker Gene Simmons breaks silence after car crash in Malibu

UPDATE – 10/25/25 at 5:45 PM ET: Gene Simmons has broken his silence two days after he was in a car accident in Malibu. “Thank you all, for the kind wishes. I’m doing absolutely fine,” Simmons wrote on Thursday, October 9, via X. “I had a mild fender bender. It happens. Especially to those of us [who] were […]

Comprised of Frehley, Simmons, Stanley and Criss, Kiss rose to fame in the 1970s and boasted 14 platinum albums to its name. Frehley left the band in 1982 amid creative differences and subsequently formed his own band, Frehley’s Comet, before changing paths again and going solo.

Frehley released his first solo album, 10,000 voltsin 2024. In an interview with SiriusXM in February, the musician revealed that he has started work on a new album of covers titled Origin Vol. 3.