Gene Simmons reveals 'bad decisions' led to Ace Frehley's tragic death
In a recent interview, KISS frontman Gene Simmons revealed that Ace Frehley's death was a result of a series of poor choices. Simmons, known for his outspoken nature, discussed the substance abuse that Frehley struggled with, which ultimately contributed to his fatal fall down the stairs in his Morristown, NJ home studio. This incident led to a brain bleed, and Frehley passed away on October 16 at the age of 74.
"He refused to listen to the advice of those who cared for him, including Simmons himself, and continued to make bad decisions," Simmons said. "Falling down the stairs doesn't typically result in death, but there may have been other factors at play. It's a tragedy that breaks my heart."
The Morris County medical examiner's report confirmed blunt head trauma due to a fall as the cause of death. A toxicology report on Frehley's blood is also expected to be released. Simmons, who is 76 years old, expressed his sadness, stating, 'The saddest thing is that you often reap what you sow.'
Simmons, who is in Washington, D.C., to receive a Kennedy Center Honor with the surviving band members and testify in the Senate to promote legislation for performer royalties, attended Frehley's private funeral on October 22. He described the emotional scene, saying, 'It was heartbreaking. It's a shame that Ace couldn't stay alive to be there and hear how much KISS meant to people.'
The band members had a history of feuds, but Simmons and Paul Stanley, both from Queens, joined Peter Criss, from Brooklyn, to honor Frehley, from the Bronx. Simmons also mentioned the pressures that may have prevented band members from intervening with Frehley, stating, 'We continued the tour for selfish reasons, as it was successful and profitable. Meanwhile, someone we cared for was ruining their life.'
In 2019, Frehley published a scathing online post criticizing Simmons for his comments about Frehley's drinking and alleged unreliability. Frehley accused Simmons of slander, claiming that his remarks had cost him millions of dollars. He warned that without an apology, 'the s*** would hit the fan.'
Frehley had a history of legal issues, including a DUI and reckless driving charge from a 1983 car chase on the Bronx River Parkway in his DeLorean. He spent two weeks in a hospital detox and attended AA meetings.
