Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss Reunite to Honor Ace Frehley at His Funeral
In a deeply emotional farewell, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss the remaining original members of KISS reunited to honor their late bandmate Ace Frehley, who passed away at the age of 74 after suffering a sudden brain bleed. The private ceremony was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, drawing family, close friends, and longtime fans who came to celebrate Frehley’s life and legacy.
Frehley, best known as KISS’s original lead guitarist and “Spaceman,” was a defining force in shaping the band’s sound and image during their rise to global fame in the 1970s. His distinctive guitar tone, creative solos, and stage presence helped establish KISS as one of the most influential rock bands in history.
The reunion of Simmons, Stanley, and Criss was not planned as a performance but as a heartfelt tribute to a friend and brother. Witnesses described the scene as somber yet moving, as the three musicians stood side by side for the first time in over a decade. “They weren’t performing,” one attendee said. “They were mourning — through the only thing that ever truly connected them: music.”
During the service, the trio performed an acoustic rendition of “Beth,” one of KISS’s most memorable songs. The moment was quiet and reflective, far from the spectacle fans once associated with the band’s concerts. Stanley’s voice carried emotion, Criss’s drumming was subtle and steady, and Simmons added gentle harmonies that resonated throughout the cathedral.
As the final chords faded, Simmons reportedly looked toward the altar and softly said, “This one’s for you, Spaceman.” Those in attendance described the silence that followed as “deafening” a rare, raw pause that captured the depth of the loss.
Outside, hundreds of fans gathered along Fifth Avenue, many wearing KISS shirts and holding candles. Some shared stories of how Frehley’s music had inspired them to pick up a guitar or follow their own creative paths. Messages of condolence and remembrance poured in across social media from musicians and fans alike, many calling Frehley a “pioneer” and “a true original.”
Though KISS officially ended their farewell tour years ago, the reunion at Frehley’s funeral served as a reminder of the lasting connection between the four men who started it all. Decades of differences, separations, and reconciliations seemed to fade in that moment, replaced by mutual respect and shared history.
Ace Frehley’s influence continues to echo through generations of rock artists. His innovative style, humor, and individuality helped shape modern rock music and left a permanent mark on fans around the world.
As Paul Stanley said in a brief statement following the service, “We came together today not as a band, but as brothers. Ace was one of a kind and the music will always carry his spirit.”
It was, fittingly, one last song for their brother.
