Fans Outraged After Gene Simmons’ Remark About Ace Frehley’s ‘Bad Decisions’

Radio host Eddie Trunk has strongly criticized Gene Simmons for comments made in the wake of Ace Frehley’s passing, arguing the Kiss co-founder spoke insensitively during a period meant for mourning. Trunk posted his reaction on X, saying Simmons’ remarks focused on judgment rather than remembrance.

“This is beyond belief. The only thing Gene should be saying about Ace right now is that he is missed and wishes he was there with them for this,” Trunk wrote, emphasizing that public commentary should have centered on respect and loss.

Simmons had referenced Frehley’s personal decisions while discussing the tragedy, suggesting lifestyle choices may have contributed to the guitarist’s death. “He refused 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. The saddest thing — you reap what you shall sow, unfortunately,” Simmons said.

Trunk’s response reflected the broader sentiment among fans and fellow musicians who felt the remarks lacked the sensitivity expected after the loss of a rock icon.

Details of Frehley’s Death Paint a Different Picture

Frehley died on Oct. 16, 2024, at age 74, from accidental blunt-force trauma sustained in a fall at his Morristown, New Jersey, home studio, according to The Los Angeles Times. The medical examiner confirmed the fall—not lifestyle factors—as the cause of death.

The guitarist had suffered severe injuries after the Sept. 25 fall, including multiple skull fractures, a subdural hematoma, and brain contusions, as reported by Arrow Lords of Metal. He was placed on a ventilator and showed no sign of recovery. Nearly two weeks later, his family made the difficult decision to remove him from life support. He died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Additional injuries—bruising to his hip, thigh, and abdomen—and a stroke suffered prior to his death further underscored the seriousness of his medical condition. These details intensified criticism of Simmons’ comments, which some viewed as unfairly attributing the tragedy to Frehley’s past behavior.

A Final Farewell to a Rock Legend

A memorial service was held on Oct. 21, 2024, in Yonkers, New York, with Kiss members in attendance, according to Ultimate Classic Rock. Frehley was buried the next day at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, close to his childhood home and near his parents’ graves. The gathering of bandmates and loved ones reinforced the deep respect many held for the influential guitarist.

In that context, Simmons’ public remarks struck many as out of step with the tone of collective mourning. As tributes continue to pour in for the co-founding Kiss guitarist, Trunk’s criticism highlights a broader call for sensitivity—a reminder that, for fans and colleagues alike, this moment is about honoring Frehley’s legacy rather than revisiting old conflicts.