Founding KISS members, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss, reunited to lay their former bandmate, Ace Frehley, to rest.
The trio came together for the guitarist’s memorial, in the Bronx borough of New York City, the band’s longtime friend Eddie Trunk shared via Instagram.
“It has been an emotional couple of days to say the least (sic) saying farewell to a rock icon and long time friend,” the SiriusXM personality wrote alongside a memorial prayer card that read, “In Loving Memory of Paul ‘Ace’ D. Frehley.”
“All of the services went as well as they could and were attended by a small group of family and close friends, including the 3 surviving original members of @kissonline,” Trunk added.
The last time Criss, 79, Simmons, 76, Stanley, 73, and Frehley all publicly appeared alongside each other was at the 29th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2014.
The quartet formed KISS in 1973, and have reunited several times throughout the past few decades.
Frehley, born Paul Daniel Frehley, passed way on October 16th at the age of 74. He was reportedly put on life support, after suffering a fall, a couple of weeks prior. TMZ, reported that Frehley had a brain bleed as a result of the fall.
additional source: Page Six of the NY Post
16 Responses
Surreal that Ace (and his parents) are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. Woodlawn was were I spent my formative years growing up.
I am sure Ace fans will eventually come to the cemetery to pay their respects. Do give yourself some time as Woodlawn Cemetery is the final resting place of a number of great musicians/celebrities/etc. Miles Davis and Duke Ellington are buried there. Do check out their website as they give tours.
Attending the funeral of a friend, relative, former co-worker, band mate…..or someone who wore the same uniform is simply a ‘Do the Right Thing’ act.
A famous fire chief once said:You may not always do everything right, but you should do the right thing. Because of my former occupation…..I’ve been to more funerals than all of you. It was difficult in the beginning, but I eventually realized that attending was a small way for me to know that I was capable of doing the right thing. Your presence if for yourself, your comrades, and survivors who know you can step up when needed. KISS showing up for Ace was exactly what we expected. It doesn’t erase what happened in the past…….the good and the bad……but we all need to grieve in our own personal way.
I hope and pray those three guys put whatever issues they have against each other behind them. I don’t believe Peter has any animosity against Gene and Paul though. Let this be a lesson to us all. Life is very very short and tomorrow is not promised. Live for today and love one another. These four men made up one of the most unique and talented bands in the history of rock n roll. It’s a terrible shame that things didn’t work out for this lineup over the course of Kisstory. But what they did together cannot be denied. And I’m glad that the three living members were able to pay their respects to Ace together.
Well said RPS.
Based on what Eddie and others have said, Ace was a decent and funny guy. Based on the interviews I have seen, I would agree. In addition to the Tom Synder interview, which is hysterical, I love a more recent one with Matt Sweeney you can find on YouTube. Matt geeks out playing Deuce and Shock Me with Ace and the interview puts a smile on your face….. I love how Ace goes “I don’t know what I am doing” LoL.
Regarding Gene and Paul, seems like a love/hate relationship.
Paul sang on Origins 1 (and I believe he has a song on Origins 3 if it ever comes out).
Gene and Ace were together on a number of occasions to play and promote something Gene was doing.
I saw a piece of an interview, where Ace calls up Gene to tell him he is Gene’s friend after he heard Gene saying he has no friends – really touching.
While quite funny – I can see why Gene said that LoL.
Maybe others on here know the details of the relationship, but regarding Ace, I am sure Gene and Paul wanted him back in the back and/or wanted Ace to make an appearance on the End of the Road Tour.
Personally, I am glad Ace turned both requests down – even though he would have made alot of $$$, his health and sanity were more important.
Funny, Paul can forgive Gene for all his nonsense but seems like he cannot do same for Ace and Peter.
Ashame, when you see Paul on interviews – he is articulate and thoughtful – it does not sound like an act.
Ace was no angel – but glad he cleaned up his act and put out new music.
Ace and Peter didn’t do anything wrong. They were young and got into a band not only for their love of music, but to live the rock n roll lifestyle: Party/Women/Wealth. I believe the majority of people who start up a band do it for the love of music and an easy way to get rich and get laid. Of course, especially nowadays, it isn’t that easy. It never was easy but bands in the 60’s, 60’s, 80’s and to an extent the 90’s had a much better chance at success than any of today’s up and coming artists. Back then all you needed was one hit. But then came the internet and power got into the wrong hands which lead us to where we are today. Sure, the internet can provide exposure via band websites and Tubeyou. But without the promotions of the good ol’ days or knowing someone to get you in the door, most bands don’t stand a chance. Due to technology and the internet, the world has become too busy. The attention span of many younger people is limited. Everything is go go go and now now now. And it’s a shame.
Unfortunately paul lipsynced Ace’s eulogy..
OMG,
I know this a time of mourning, but that comment is HYSTERICAL-LOL!!!
Even Ace would have loved that
Ace was always a class act whenever Gene and Paul threw shade on him. Last time that happened Ace threatened to reveal some “very embarrassing information” but then later recoiled because that’s who Ace was. He was also the best Plumber in Rock and Roll History! I have a leaky pipe in my small room that he would have loved to hear me tell him about. Kiss fans know what I mean!