KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. In a recent interview, the Spaceman took aim at his former bandmates, particularly Gene Simmons, offering a candid look into the dynamics of the iconic rock group. Frehley suggests that jealousy, fueled by his solo success and personal life, may have contributed to the band’s portrayal of his role in KISS.
The guitarist, known for his flamboyant stage presence and hit solo single “New York Groove”, claimed to have enjoyed considerable popularity with women during his KISS heyday. However, he insists that unlike his bandmates, he preferred to keep his relationships less public.
Frehley’s comments promise to reignite the ongoing saga of tensions within KISS, as fans and critics alike dissect his latest revelations about the band’s inner workings.
Ace Frehley on Gene Simmons and His Dating Life
Frehley has offered a fresh perspective on the differing lifestyles of him and Simmons. The guitarist explained, “‘Cause you’re a celebrity, you’ve got another celebrity there and it’s twice as complicated.” Unlike Simmons, who had high-profile relationships with Cher and Diana Ross, Frehley preferred to keep his dating life more low-key.
The Spaceman elaborated on the contrast between their personalities, revealing, “Gene doesn’t party. So, he’s pretty much in the hotel. And he doesn’t like going out on vacations, he told me. He hasn’t been on a vacation in 15-plus years. But everybody’s different.”
Simmons’ romantic history with both Cher and Diana Ross is well-documented, with reports suggesting that his relationship with Ross began while he was still involved with Cher.
KISS and Their Love Lives
Simmons has famously boasted about his conquests, claiming to have been with thousands of women and keeping a Polaroid of each. However, this chapter of his life came to an end when his wife, Shannon Tweed, destroyed the infamous photo collection on their reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels.
Meanwhile, Frehley’s long-term relationship has come to an end. The guitarist announced his split from Lara Cove after six years together during a concert in West Virginia, stating that they were both “happy” and it was “just time”.
Frehley continues to be active in the music scene, touring in support of his latest album, 10,000 Volts. His next performance is scheduled for August 16 at the Northwest Washington fair in Lynden, Washington.
Watch the Spaceman’s interview below.