Gene Simmons , bassist and co-founder of KISS , published a public retraction last Wednesday, the 10th, after strong criticism for the statements he made about the death of Ace Frehley , founding guitarist of KISS.
Through a post on the social network X , Simmons stated:
"Reflecting on what happened, I realize I was wrong in the words I used. I sincerely apologize. I swear to God I didn't intend to hurt Ace or his legacy, but rereading my words, I see how I hurt everyone. Once again, I apologize. I always loved Ace. Always."
The controversy began after an interview given during the ceremony at the Kennedy Center in which Gene Simmons suggested that a series of "bad decisions" in Ace Frehley's life may have contributed to his death, describing how he had ignored advice from people close to him. These remarks were widely criticized by fans and even by people close to the guitarist.
Ace Frehley passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 74, after suffering a fall in his home studio that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.
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