The 5 Shocking Truths About Ace Frehley And Gene Simmons' Feud And Future: Why The 'Spaceman' Said No To Vegas

The tumultuous, decades-long relationship between KISS co-founders Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons remains one of rock music's most compelling and controversial sagas. As of December 2025, the dynamic between "The Spaceman" and "The Demon" is a complex mix of past grievances, recent public apologies, and a persistent, albeit distant, mutual respect that keeps the door to future collaboration slightly ajar. The latest updates reveal a fascinating back-and-forth, including Simmons' surprising retraction of controversial remarks and Frehley's firm decision to focus on his own successful solo career, highlighted by his 2024 album release, *10,000 Volts*. The rock world continues to watch closely as the two iconic figures navigate their post-KISS careers, with every public statement scrutinized for clues about a potential final on-stage reunion. Despite the band's "End of the Road" tour concluding, the narrative of the original members is far from over, especially following Gene Simmons' recent, humble admission that his words about his former bandmate were "wrong" and "hurtful," a rare concession from the famously outspoken bassist.

The Complete Biographies of Rock's Most Volatile Duo

To truly understand the current friction and the enduring bond between Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons, one must look back at the foundations laid by these two founding members of the legendary rock band KISS.

Ace Frehley (The Spaceman)

• Full Name: Paul Daniel Frehley
• Born: April 27, 1951, The Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
• Role in KISS: Original Lead Guitarist and occasional vocalist.
• KISS Persona: The Spaceman (Space Ace).
• Career Highlights: Co-founded KISS in 1973; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014; released the highly successful 1978 Ace Frehley solo album (the best-selling of the four simultaneous KISS solo LPs); recent solo success with albums like *Spaceman* (2018) and *10,000 Volts* (2024).
• Signature Gear: Gibson Les Paul guitars, known for his smoking guitar and light-up effects.

Gene Simmons (The Demon)

• Full Name: Chaim Witz (later changed to Eugene Klein, then Gene Simmons)
• Born: August 25, 1949, Tirat Carmel, Israel.
• Role in KISS: Co-founder, Bassist, Co-lead Vocalist, and primary business force.
• KISS Persona: The Demon.
• Career Highlights: Co-founded KISS with Paul Stanley; known for his fire-breathing and blood-spitting stage antics; a prolific entrepreneur with vast merchandising interests; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014; prior to KISS, worked as a "Personal Assistant" at *Vogue* and *Glamour* magazines.
• Signature Gear: Axe bass guitar, famously long tongue.

5 Shocking Truths About Their Current Relationship Status

The latest interactions and public statements from late 2024 and throughout 2025 paint a clear picture of a relationship that is simultaneously adversarial and deeply respectful. The drama is driven by both personal history and the business of rock and roll.

1. Gene Simmons Issued a Rare, Public Apology for "Death" Comments

In a surprising turn of events in late 2025, Gene Simmons issued a formal apology for comments he had made earlier in the year suggesting that a series of "bad decisions" were a contributing factor in Ace Frehley's death. The controversial remarks stirred significant backlash from the KISS fanbase and the rock community. Simmons' apology, which was widely reported, admitted he was "wrong" and that his words were "hurtful," a rare moment of public contrition from "The Demon." This apology, though late for some, provided a moment of de-escalation in their long-running public feud.

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2. Ace Frehley Has Firmly Rejected a 2025 KISS Las Vegas Show

Despite the recent apology and ongoing speculation about a final reunion, Ace Frehley confirmed his commitment to his solo career. In a 2025 interview, he stated he would not be participating in a rumored KISS Las Vegas residency. Frehley's focus is on his own music, particularly the success of his latest solo album, *10,000 Volts*, which was released in February 2024 and has been met with positive reviews from fans and critics, proving his enduring relevance as a solo artist.

3. The Door to Future Collaboration Remains Open, Despite the Feud

Even with the sniping and verbal backstabbing that has characterized their relationship for decades, both Simmons and Frehley have indicated a willingness to work together in the future. Frehley has publicly stated, "I don't hate Paul or Gene," maintaining an open mind about rekindling musical ties. This suggests their current issues are professional and personal, but not necessarily career-ending. The two even collaborated on two songs for Frehley's 2018 album, *Spaceman*, proving that creative chemistry still exists beneath the drama.

4. Frehley Insists the "KISS Myth" Needs Correction

Ace Frehley has been vocal in recent years about what he perceives as a dishonest narrative surrounding the band's history, often challenging the public statements made by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. He has insisted that certain elements of the "KISS myth" are not true, particularly concerning the contributions and roles of the original members, a theme that frequently surfaces in his interviews and personal accounts. This ongoing effort to correct the historical record is a major source of the current tension between the former bandmates.

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5. Gene Simmons Has Expressed Regret Over Not Being "Tougher" on Ace

In a separate reflection, Gene Simmons has expressed regret about how he handled his relationship with Ace Frehley during the early days of KISS. He specifically mentioned wishing he had been "tougher" on Frehley as the guitarist struggled with personal issues, suggesting a deeper, more complicated emotional tie than a simple business relationship. This statement, coupled with his recent apology, adds a layer of complexity to "The Demon's" public persona, showing a man reflecting on the difficulties of managing a volatile but brilliant talent.

The Enduring Legacy and Topical Authority of the Original KISS Members

The saga of Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons is inextricably linked to the history of hard rock and the monumental success of KISS. Their story provides a masterclass in musical brilliance mixed with rock and roll excess, a narrative that continues to drive topical authority in classic rock discussions.

The original lineup—Frehley, Simmons, Paul Stanley (The Starchild), and Peter Criss (The Catman)—created a unique brand of stadium rock that has endured for over five decades. Key albums like *Destroyer*, *Love Gun*, and *Alive!* cemented their status as global icons. The 1978 simultaneous solo album releases were an unprecedented marketing move, with Frehley's LP yielding the hit "New York Groove."

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Today, the focus has shifted. Simmons continues his entrepreneurial ventures and touring with the current KISS lineup (or his solo band), while Frehley is enjoying a creative renaissance. His *10,000 Volts* album, featuring 11 new tracks, is a testament to the fact that "The Spaceman's" unique, signature sound—characterized by heavy riffs and spacey solos—is still in high demand. The album’s success ensures that Frehley’s legacy is not just tied to his past with KISS, but is continually being written in the present day, independent of his former bandmates.

Ultimately, the latest updates confirm that while a full reunion on the scale of the "End of the Road" tour is unlikely, the personal and professional ties between Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons are a permanent fixture in rock history. Their ongoing public dialogue, characterized by conflict and occasional olive branches, ensures that the story of the original KISS members will continue to generate headlines and captivate fans for years to come.