Blackie Lawless Criticizes Gene Simmons Over Ace Frehley's Death Comments: A Tribute to Ace's Legacy
Blackie Lawless, the leader of W.A.S.P., expressed his disappointment with Gene Simmons for his comments on the death of Ace Frehley, a guitarist from KISS. Lawless, who was a close friend of Ace, criticized Simmons for suggesting that Ace's death was due to his "bad decisions." Lawless highlighted the insensitivity of such remarks, especially considering the recent passing of Ace. Lawless also shared anecdotes about Ace's balance issues, emphasizing that blaming his death on drug abuse was unjustified.
Lawless recalled moments where Ace's equilibrium problems were evident, leading to humorous yet concerning situations. He mentioned instances where Ace's balance issues caused accidents, such as crashing into Lawless or falling in public places. Lawless emphasized that Ace's struggles with equilibrium were a known issue among his friends and bandmates, including Gene Simmons. Lawless refuted the notion that Ace's death was a result of drug abuse, given Ace's clean lifestyle leading up to his passing.
Gene Simmons later apologized for his comments about Ace's death, acknowledging that his words were inappropriate and hurtful. Simmons expressed regret for his choice of words and clarified that he did not intend to tarnish Ace's legacy. The medical examiner confirmed that Ace's death was caused by blunt-trauma injuries from a fall, ruling it as an accident. The report detailed the injuries Ace sustained, including fractures, hemorrhages, and a subdural hematoma. Additional information about toxicology reports was not disclosed at the time.
In a separate interview, Gene Simmons reflected on his relationship with Ace and Peter, expressing regret for not intervening more effectively in their lives. Simmons admitted that he wished he had practiced "tough love" to help Ace and Peter overcome their struggles. He emphasized the importance of supporting loved ones through difficult times, even if it involves tough decisions. Simmons acknowledged that the passing of Ace was a heartbreaking loss and expressed his love and respect for his former bandmate.
Ace Frehley was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, New York, following a private memorial service attended by family and friends. His passing was a profound loss for the music community, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow musicians. Ace's family released a statement expressing their devastation and celebrating his life and contributions to music. The legacy of Ace Frehley, a founding member of KISS, continues to resonate with fans worldwide, ensuring that his memory lives on for generations to come.