In an interview on the Inside of You podcast , Gene Simmons , bassist and vocalist of KISS , revealed deep regret for not having organized a memorial service for the band's late former guitarist, Ace Frehley , who passed away last October .
In the conversation, Gene mentioned the difficulty in dealing with his former bandmate's substance abuse problems during the band's creative and commercial peak in the second half of the 1970s. According to him, the dynamic was exhausting, and everyone chose to hide the true internal situation so as not to spoil the band's "superhero image.".
“Honestly, looking back, not intervening decisively was a stupid and shameful decision on all of our part. We simply turned a blind eye and tried to hide the problems because we wanted to avoid any kind of upset with the public or tarnishing the flawless superhero image we had built,” he explained [transcription via Blabbermouth].
Simmons also expressed his regret at not having canceled KISS's tour schedule so that Frehley could rehabilitate. According to him, the guitarist had "undeniable talent," but he failed as a friend by trying to hide the musician's true situation at that time.
"I deeply regret that we didn't lock the doors, cancel the tour schedule, and demand that he go to rehab immediately. His talent was undeniable, but the illness distanced him from reality to the point of making him miss vital commitments, and we failed as friends by trying to sweep it all under the rug," he concluded.
Ace Frehley died because of "bad decisions," the KISS frontman stated at the time
During a ceremony at the Kennedy Center on December 7, where Frehley was posthumously honored, Gene Simmons stated in an interview with the New York Times that the tragedy was influenced by a series of "bad choices" made by Frehley.
According to Simmons, the guitarist ignored advice from people close to him, including Simmons himself, to change his lifestyle. “He refused advice from people who cared about him – including me – to try to change his lifestyle. He made bad decisions all the time. Falling down the stairs – I'm not a doctor – doesn't kill you. There may have been other problems, and it breaks my heart. The saddest thing is that, unfortunately, we reap what we sow,” Gene.
Three days later, Simmons issued a public retraction after strong criticism for his statements about the musician's death. 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."
READ ALSO: Gene Simmons on Ace Frehley's funeral: "The open casket was too much for me"
