Gene Simmons Criticized Over Ace Frehley Tribute

Gene Simmons marked what would have been the 75th birthday of late Ace Frehley with a brief social media tribute—but the gesture quickly reignited tensions among fans of KISS.
“Happy birthday, Ace. Wherever you are…,” Simmons wrote in his post.

Rather than being received as a heartfelt remembrance, the message drew swift criticism on X (formerly Twitter), with many fans questioning its sincerity in light of Simmons’ past remarks about Frehley.

Fans Question the Tribute’s Authenticity

The response from fans was immediate and pointed, with several accusing Simmons of inconsistency and insensitivity. “Are you serious? You throw the man under the bus all while he was alive. Now you wanna wish him a Happy Birthday. You’re a joke Gene,” one fan commented.

Another added, “Why bother saying shit you don’t mean. Even after his death you continue to shit on him.” Such reactions highlight lingering frustration within the fanbase, particularly regarding how Simmons has publicly discussed Frehley in the past.

Controversy, Apology, and Attempts at Reconciliation

The backlash surrounding the tribute is rooted in Simmons’ earlier comments following Frehley’s death, when he linked the guitarist’s passing to what he described as a pattern of poor decisions. In a widely criticized interview, Simmons suggested that Frehley had resisted help from those close to him.

“He 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,” Simmons previously said.

The remarks prompted significant backlash from fans and fellow musicians, leading Simmons to issue a public apology. He later acknowledged that his wording had been inappropriate and hurtful.

“On reflection, I was wrong for using the words I used,” Simmons said. “I humbly apologize. My hand to God I didn’t intend 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.”

In this context, Simmons’ recent birthday tribute is being interpreted by some as an attempt to repair his standing with fans and to offer a more respectful acknowledgment of his former bandmate’s legacy.