Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and co-founder of the legendary rock band Kiss, recently opened up about one of his biggest regrets in his long and storied career. Reflecting on the band’s history, Simmons expressed remorse over not being tougher on former bandmates Ace Frehley and Peter Criss regarding their substance abuse issues, which ultimately led to their departure from the band.
Kiss concluded their illustrious career with a final show at New York’s Madison Square Garden, marking the end of their epic End Of The Road tour. However, this farewell did not include original guitarist Frehley and drummer Criss. Instead, guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer joined Simmons and Paul Stanley in the final lineup. Thayer had replaced Frehley permanently in 2002, while Singer became a permanent member a few years later.
Looking back on Kiss’ 50-year journey, Simmons shared his reflections in an interview with Backstage Pass. He admitted that he wished he had been more stringent with Frehley and Criss. “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,” Simmons said.
Simmons acknowledged the significant contributions of Frehley and Criss to the band’s early success. “Ace and Peter have as much credit for the beginning of the band as Paul and I do. There’s no question it was that chemistry. And they both had unique voices, unique personalities and all that. And they should have been here with us 50 or 55 years later and enjoying the fruits of their labor. But sadly, they’re not,” he lamented.
Despite his regrets, Simmons emphasized that Frehley and Criss were responsible for their own actions. “They were in and out of the band three different times. They were let go three different times because of the same old thing,” he explained. Simmons pointed out that substance abuse issues are not unique to Kiss, noting that many bands face similar challenges. “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,” he added.
Simmons’ reflections come at a time when the music world continues to grapple with the impact of substance abuse on artists’ careers and lives. His comments highlight the difficult balance between supporting bandmates and maintaining the integrity and functionality of the band.
The departure of Frehley and Criss from Kiss was a significant turning point in the band’s history. Their replacements, Thayer and Singer, have been instrumental in keeping the band’s legacy alive. However, the absence of the original members in the final lineup has been a point of contention among some fans.
Simmons’ candid admission sheds light on the internal struggles that Kiss faced over the years. It also underscores the importance of addressing substance abuse issues head-on, even when it involves difficult decisions and tough love.
As Kiss fans reflect on the band’s legacy, Simmons’ regret serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with maintaining a successful and long-lasting career in the music industry. The band’s journey has been marked by highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks, but their impact on rock music remains undeniable.
In the end, Simmons’ reflections offer a poignant glimpse into the complexities of being in a band and the personal toll it can take. His regret over not being harder on Frehley and Criss is a testament to the deep bond that existed among the original members and the enduring legacy they created together.
As Kiss bids farewell to their fans, Simmons’ words serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing issues within a band and the lasting impact of those decisions. The band’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of rock musicians, and the lessons learned from their journey will resonate for years to come.
