Gene Simmons Reveal Peter Criss and Ace Frehley Refuse To Perform In KISS’s Final Concert

In a recent interview, Gene Simmons was asked about the possibility of original KISS members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss making guest appearances at the band’s last-ever concerts in New York City.

Simmons stated that while older fans may be interested in seeing Frehley and Criss perform, he had asked both of them if they wanted to join for the encores or do some shows, and they both declined. Simmons mentioned that while other big stars might want to join them on stage, they were uncertain about that. He suggested that the best approach might be ending the way they started with four guys and guitars.

The last leg of KISS’s North American tour will start in October and end with two concerts at Madison Square Garden on December 1 and December 2.

Ace Frehley’s Conditions for Joining KISS

In an interview, Frehley mentioned that he would consider playing with KISS at the final shows in New York City if the price was right. He stated that money would motivate him, but he wouldn’t prioritize it over his principles. He also expressed his belief that the other band members prioritized money over everything else.

When asked about performing with KISS while wearing his “Spaceman” makeup, Frehley jokingly said he didn’t need the makeup since he was a good-looking guy, but he would do it for a quarter of a million dollars.

Frehley also clarified that he had never received a formal invitation to join the band at their final shows and mentioned that people bought tickets because they were led to believe that he and Criss would be there. He didn’t seem concerned about not being formally invited and expressed his indifference towards the situation.

Despite any conflicts, Frehley stated that he still had love for his former bandmates and cherished the special connection they had created. He wanted his legacy to be free from any lies or misunderstandings.

KISS’s farewell tour, End Of The Road, started in January 2019 but was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic. The tour, originally scheduled to end in July 2021, was extended to late 2023.

Uniting Past and Present KISS

In a previous interview, Simmons mentioned that they had tried to convince Frehley and Criss to be involved in the final concerts and documentary but were met with various demands. He stated that while they cared about Frehley and Criss, they couldn’t fulfill all their requests.

Simmons expressed that not everyone is meant to be in a band for an extended period and that Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, the current members, brought new life and appreciation to KISS.

He also mentioned that he saw a short video from a recent performance where Frehley, Criss, and other former KISS members played together. Simmons explained:

“Somebody showed me about 30 seconds, yeah. It was very sad. I felt sad for Peter… When I called to invite Peter to be in the documentary, his health isn’t what it should be. I don’t wanna get too specific because it’s part of his private life. But no, physically, he wouldn’t be able to do it. Neither would Ace.”