KISS Regrets: GENE SIMMONS Says He ‘Shoulda Been Harder’ On ACE FREHLEY & PETER CRISS — Loaded Radio
Unmasking Regret: Gene Simmons Reflects on KISS and the Original Lineup
KISS may have wrapped up their epic “ End of the Road” tour in 2023, but the legacy of the iconic rock band continues to spark conversation, particularly regarding their on-again, off-again relationship with original members Ace Frehley (guitar) and Peter Criss (drums). In a recent interview, bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons opened up about one of his biggest regrets: not taking a tougher stance with Frehley and Criss during their struggles with substance abuse.
There’s no denying the undeniable chemistry that fueled the original KISS lineup. With their flamboyant makeup, elaborate costumes, and explosive live shows, Frehley’s scorching guitar work and Criss’s dynamic drumming were integral to the band’s early success. Tracks like “ Rock and Roll All Nite” and “ Detroit Rock City “ wouldn’t be the same without their contributions.
Simmons tells Backstage Pass in a recent interview: “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.
“ 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 labour. But sadly, they’re not.”
However, KISS’s journey wasn’t all sunshine and blood-spitting. Both Frehley and Criss battled well-documented substance abuse issues that ultimately led to their departures from the band on multiple occasions. While Frehley and Criss left and rejoined several times throughout the band’s illustious career, it was always bittersweet to see the makeup clad foursome continue without either of the iconic original members.
This brings us to Simmons ‘ recent revelation. Reflecting on their five-decade career, he acknowledged his regret of not being “harder” on his former bandmates. He believes that a more forceful approach might have helped them overcome their demons and kept the original lineup intact.
He says: “They were in and out of the band three different times. They were let go three different times because of the same old thing,.
“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.”
Here’s where things get interesting — Simmons’ regret doesn’t negate his belief that Frehley and Criss ultimately hold responsibility for their actions. He emphasizes that despite his wishes, their substance abuse issues were a significant factor in their departures.
The complexities of the KISS story extend beyond the initial breakups. Over the years, there have been numerous reunion tours and guest appearances featuring the four original members. Frehley and Criss both rejoined the band for a highly successful reunion tour in 1996–97, donning their iconic makeup once again and reigniting the fire for nostalgic fans.
While these reunions have undoubtedly been a treat for fans, they haven’t always been smooth sailing. Reported tensions and creative differences often lingered beneath the surface. Ultimately, the allure of a full-fledged, permanent reunion with the original lineup has remained elusive.
So, what does this all mean for the future of KISS and their original members? While a full-time reunion seems unlikely, with the band setting their sights and concentration on an “Avatar version” of the band to continue in their place, the door for guest appearances and one-off events might still be open — albeit not directly under the KISS banner. Simmons himself hasn’t completely closed the book on the possibility.
One thing remains clear: the story of KISS and their original members continues to resonate. Their music and flamboyant stage presence left an indelible mark on rock history, and the complexities of their relationships, both on and off stage, add another layer of intrigue to their legacy. Will there ever truly be a definitive “end of the road” for this iconic band? Only time will tell.