Gene Simmons , vocalist and bassist of KISS, has spoken out about the death of Ace Frehley . The former guitarist and founding member of the band died this Thursday, October 16th, at the age of 74 .
In a statement on the social network X , Gene lamented:
“Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed away. No one can touch his legacy. I know he loved his fans. He told me that many times. Even sadder, Ace didn't live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Center Honors event in December. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. May his legacy live on!”
The cause of Ace's death has not been revealed, although the musician was hospitalized and on a ventilator. In a press release, the family said [via Variety ]:
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his final moments, we were fortunate to be able to surround him with loving, caring, and peaceful words, thoughts, prayers, and intentions as he left this Earth. We cherish all his best memories, his laughter, and celebrate the strength and kindness he dedicated to others. The magnitude of his departure is of epic and incomprehensible proportions. Reflecting on all his incredible life achievements, Ace's memory will live on forever!”
Gene Simmons invited Ace Frehley to a KISS event.
Previously, Gene Simmons commented that he hadn't ruled out the possibility of sharing the stage with former bandmates Ace Frehley and Peter Criss during the KISS Army: Storms Vegas , scheduled to take place this November in Las Vegas. Despite the former members' refusal, Gene kept the door open. "I personally invited Ace and Peter to join us on stage at Madison Square Garden [for the final show of the farewell tour]. But they said no. 'I want this, I want that.' 'You can't have this, but join us to celebrate the beginning,'" he said.
Next, Ace Frehley confirmed the invitation and said he had refused : “They invited me and I refused. No way am I going to get involved in that, you know? Their biggest mistake is that they should have done it at Madison Square Garden, not in Las Vegas, in a place with 5,000 seats, or something like that.”
However, Ace gave fans hope: “I’m the kind of guy who never says never. I don’t hate Paul or Gene, you know? We’re rock and roll brothers, and so is Peter. So, anything can happen.”
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