Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and singer for KISS, has issued a public apology for his earlier controversial remarks concerning the death of his beloved late bandmate, guitarist Ace Frehley. Simmons tweeted his mea culpa early Wednesday morning on December 10, 2025, stating, "On reflection, I was wrong for using the words I used. I humbly apologize." This rare retraction from Simmons, known for his outspoken nature, came after he faced backlash for his comments following Frehley's passing at 74 in October 2025.

Simmons had previously stirred controversy by suggesting that "bad decisions" contributed to Frehley's death. According to The New York Post, Simmons, 76, stated that Frehley "refused [advice] from people that cared about him – including yours truly – to try to change his lifestyle. In and out of bad decisions. Falling down the stairs — I’m not a doctor — doesn’t kill you. There may have been other issues, and it breaks my heart." Frehley’s death was attributed to injuries sustained during a fall the month prior. Simmons' comments appeared to allude to Frehley’s past struggles with alcoholism, despite reports that Ace had maintained sobriety for over two decades before his death. Simmons had grimly remarked at the time, “The saddest thing — you reap what you shall sow unfortunately.”

However, following criticism from fans who found his remarks insensitive, Simmons reflected on his words and respectfully walked back his statements. His apology on X further clarified his intent: "My hand to God i didn’t intended to hurt Ace or his legacy but upon rereading my words, I see how it hurt everyone. Again, I apologize. I’ve always loved Ace. Always."

At the time of his passing, Ace Frehley's family released a heartfelt statement expressing their devastation: "We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth. … Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!"

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, KISS, also paid tribute to their founding guitarist, calling him the “essential and irreplaceable rock solider.” Their statement read, "We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.” Simmons also posted a personal message on X, lamenting, “Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!” KISS itself was honored at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors over the weekend.

Ace Frehley co-founded KISS with Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss, performing with the band from 1973 to 1982. He later rejoined for a reunion tour from 1996 through 2002, cementing his lasting legacy with the iconic rock group.