In an emotional revelation that has touched the hearts of rock fans worldwide, KISS bassist Gene Simmons has publicly responded to the late Ace Frehley’s poignant final words about their friendship. The guitarist, who passed away on October 16, 2025, had opened up about his deep connection with Simmons in what would become one of his last interviews, offering a rare glimpse into the personal bond shared by the two legendary musicians.

Frehley’s Touching Revelation About Their Friendship

In a Q104.3 radio interview conducted shortly before his tragic death, Frehley spoke candidly about his relationship with Simmons, revealing the depth of their friendship. The Space Ace guitarist made a particularly poignant statement that would resonate deeply after his passing. Frehley recalled a moment when he reached out to Simmons after hearing him express feelings of loneliness.

According to Frehley’s recollection, he heard Simmons say on multiple occasions, ‘I have no friends.’ This statement prompted Frehley to send an email directly to the KISS bassist, stating simply but powerfully: ‘Gene, I’m your friend. Don’t ever say that.’ Frehley went on to explain that Simmons had been ‘kinda taking me under his wing,’ suggesting a mentoring and supportive relationship between the two rock icons.

In response to these emotional final words, Gene Simmons issued a simple yet heartfelt tribute: ‘Ace. We love him. We miss him.’ The brevity of Simmons’ statement belies the depth of emotion behind it, offering a glimpse into the genuine affection shared between the longtime bandmates despite the various tensions and separations that marked KISS’s complex history.

The revelation of this private exchange between Frehley and Simmons has touched fans worldwide, offering a rare window into the personal relationships within one of rock’s most iconic bands. Throughout KISS’s decades-long career, the dynamics between band members have been the subject of intense scrutiny, with public feuds and reconciliations marking their journey. Frehley’s final words about their friendship suggest that beneath the public personas and business disagreements, a genuine bond of friendship persisted.

Frehley also spoke warmly about his relationships with other KISS members in his final interviews, including current drummer Eric Singer and former guitarist Bruce Kulick. These comments paint a picture of a musician who, despite the ups and downs of his career, valued the connections he made with fellow artists throughout his life. The guitarist’s openness about friendship and loyalty in what turned out to be his final days adds an additional layer of poignancy to his passing, reminding fans that behind the stage makeup and rock star personas, the members of KISS were human beings with real emotions and meaningful relationships.