Gene Simmons Attributes Ace Frehley’s Death to ‘Bad Decisions’

Gene Simmons, the iconic frontman of KISS, recently addressed the tragic death of his former bandmate, Ace Frehley. Frehley passed away on October 16 at the age of 74 after suffering a fall at his home studio in Morristown, New Jersey. In a candid interview with the New York Post, Simmons attributed Frehley’s death to a series of poor choices linked to substance abuse.

Details Surrounding Ace Frehley’s Death

According to Simmons, Frehley failed to heed advice from friends, including Simmons himself, regarding lifestyle changes. “He was in and out of bad decisions,” said Simmons. “Falling down the stairs doesn’t kill you. There may have been other issues.”

Autopsy Findings

An autopsy report from the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office revealed that Frehley died from blunt force injuries to the head due to an accidental fall. Specific findings noted:

• Facial fractures near the eyes and left ear
• Bruises on the left abdomen, thigh area, right hip, and upper thigh

A toxicology report regarding Frehley’s blood is forthcoming and is expected to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Legacy and Impact

During the interview, Simmons reflected on the heartbreak of attending Frehley’s funeral alongside fellow KISS members Peter Criss and Paul Stanley. He lamented Frehley’s absence at a prestigious event where KISS was honored, stating it was a missed opportunity for Frehley to receive recognition for his contributions to rock music.

Ace Frehley, known as Spaceman or Space Ace, was a key member of KISS from 1973 to 1982, and again from 1996 to 2002. He contributed to many of the band’s biggest hits, including “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” and “Detroit Rock City.”

KISS’s Celebrated Career

KISS has sold over 100 million records during their illustrious career, cementing their status as a legendary band. They officially retired from touring in 2023 after an extensive five-decade-long career. Notably, Frehley declined to participate in a recent unmasked reunion concert in Las Vegas, expressing his views that the event should have taken place at Madison Square Garden instead.

Honors Received

On a more uplifting note, Simmons and the remaining KISS members received a Kennedy Center Honor in recognition of their impact on music and popular culture. The ceremony, attended by notable figures including former President Donald Trump, celebrated KISS as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

As fans continue to remember Ace Frehley’s influence in the music world, the conversations around his untimely death serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry.