Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and co-founder of the legendary rock band KISS, recently opened up about one of his biggest regrets: not being tougher on his former bandmates Ace Frehley and Peter Criss regarding their substance abuse issues. These problems ultimately led to the departure of the talented guitarist and drummer from the band. KISS, known for their elaborate stage performances and iconic makeup, concluded their decades-long career with a final show at New York’s Madison Square Garden, marking the end of their epic End Of The Road tour. However, Frehley and Criss were notably absent from this farewell performance, having been replaced by guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, who have been part of the band since the early 2000s.
Reflecting on KISS’s 50-year journey, Simmons expressed his sorrow over not being more stringent with Frehley and Criss. In an interview with Backstage Pass, he shared, “I’m sad in retrospect. You know, hindsight’s 20/20. I’m sad that I wasn’t more hard on Ace and Peter, the two original guys who played guitar and drums in the band.” He acknowledged the significant contributions of Frehley and Criss to the band’s early success, emphasizing that their unique voices and personalities were integral to KISS’s chemistry. “They should have been here with us 50 or 55 years later and enjoying the fruits of their labor. But sadly, they’re not,” Simmons lamented.
Despite his regrets, Simmons firmly believes that Frehley and Criss were responsible for their own downfalls. He pointed out that they were let go from the band three different times due to the same recurring issues. “It’s not even unique. Go to almost every band and you’ll find people ingesting stuff more than the bum on the street corner, except they’re richer and they can afford to ingest more. It’s sad,” Simmons remarked.
Ace Frehley’s memoir, “No Regrets,” paints a vivid picture of his tumultuous life, filled with rock star excesses and reckless behavior. The cover image alone, featuring Frehley slumped in the back seat of a car with greasy hair and bloodshot eyes, sets the tone for the candid and often shocking stories within. Frehley recounts high-speed car chases, mishaps involving Uzis, and homemade explosions, among other wild escapades. His memoir is a testament to the chaotic lifestyle he led, one that ultimately contributed to his departure from KISS.
In a conversation about his memoir, Frehley revealed that he has been clean and sober for almost three years. However, his stories of past debauchery, including ingesting airplane glue and firing a .357 Magnum inside a house, paint a picture of a man who lived life on the edge. Despite the troubling nature of these tales, Frehley maintains a sense of humor about his past, choosing to laugh at his lifestyle choices now that he is clean.
Frehley’s memoir also offers a more honest and unfiltered account of KISS’s history, free from the marketing spin often associated with the band’s official narratives. He provides insights into the band’s formation and the dynamics between its members, shedding light on the creative and personal struggles that defined their journey. However, his account also substantiates many of the criticisms leveled against him by Simmons and Paul Stanley, particularly regarding his work ethic and commitment to the band.
One particularly illustrative story in Frehley’s memoir involves the making of KISS’s album “Destroyer.” Producer Bob Ezrin pushed Frehley to come up with guitar solos for the album, but Frehley struggled with the pressure, believing that artistic creation could not be forced. This episode highlights the tension between Frehley’s spontaneous approach to music and the disciplined work ethic required to sustain a successful band. It also underscores the challenges that Simmons and Stanley faced in trying to keep the band on track while dealing with Frehley’s erratic behavior.
Despite his undeniable talent, Frehley’s lack of preparation and commitment often put him at odds with his bandmates and producers. His memoir reveals a man who, while gifted, failed to fully harness and develop his abilities, choosing instead to indulge in the excesses of rock stardom. This lack of discipline ultimately contributed to his departure from KISS and his inability to remain a consistent and reliable member of the band.
Simmons’s reflections on his relationship with Frehley and Criss highlight the complexities of managing a successful rock band. While he acknowledges their contributions to KISS’s early success, he also recognizes the toll that their substance abuse issues took on the band. His regret over not being tougher on them speaks to the difficult balance between supporting creative talent and maintaining the discipline needed to sustain a long-term career in the music industry.
In the end, Simmons’s regret is a poignant reminder of the challenges and sacrifices that come with being part of a legendary rock band. While KISS’s legacy is secure, the absence of Frehley and Criss from their final farewell underscores the personal and professional costs of their struggles. As Simmons and Stanley continue to celebrate KISS’s enduring impact, the stories of Frehley and Criss serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of excess and the importance of discipline and commitment in achieving lasting success.
