Rock music is often loud, powerful, and full of confidence. But behind the face paint, guitars, and giant stages, musicians are still human beings who feel deep love, loss, and pain. Recently, KISS co-founder Gene Simmons shared a very emotional story about losing his longtime bandmate and friend, Ace Frehley. His words reminded fans that even legends struggle with grief.
Gene Simmons spoke about this painful experience during an appearance on the Mohr Stories podcast with host Jay Mohr. When asked about Ace Frehley’s death and funeral, Simmons did not hold back his emotions. Ace Frehley, the original guitarist of KISS and one of the most important figures in the band’s early success, passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 74. His death was reported as an accident after complications from a fall at his home in New Jersey.
For Simmons, the hardest moment was seeing Frehley in an open casket. He described it as almost unbearable. He said Ace looked like he might suddenly sit up and say it was all a joke. That image stayed with him, making the experience “too much” to handle. Simmons admitted he had to keep his head down because the pain was overwhelming. Anyone who has lost a close friend can understand how shocking and unreal moments like that can feel.
Simmons also shared how he first learned about Ace’s passing. He was in California when he received a text message from Gigi Criss, the wife of original KISS drummer Peter Criss. Soon after, Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss traveled to New York to attend the wake and funeral together. It was a quiet reunion filled with sadness, memories, and reflection.
During the podcast, Simmons spoke with deep respect about Ace Frehley’s impact on music. He explained that Frehley influenced countless guitar players around the world. Many famous musicians, including Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, have openly said they learned Ace’s solos note for note. His guitar style helped shape hard rock and inspired generations of players.
However, Simmons also spoke honestly about the struggles Ace faced in his life. He mentioned that Frehley battled addiction for many years, starting with alcohol and later moving on to other substances. Simmons described how painful it was to watch someone he cared about slowly hurt themselves. These comments showed not judgment, but sadness and frustration that often come with loving someone who struggles.
Earlier in December, Simmons faced backlash after making comments about Ace’s “bad decisions.” Many fans felt those words were unfair. Not long after, Simmons apologized publicly, saying he never meant to hurt Ace’s legacy and that he always loved him. This apology showed how complicated grief can be—filled with love, regret, and things left unsaid.
One of Simmons’ biggest regrets is that Ace did not live long enough to be present when KISS received the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors. Simmons said it hurt deeply knowing there would be an empty seat representing Ace during such an important moment in the band’s history.
Ace Frehley’s music will live on forever. His riffs, solos, and stage presence helped make KISS one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. Gene Simmons’ emotional words remind us that behind every rock legend is a real person, and behind every headline is a story of love and loss.