Legendary guitarist Ace Frehley, best known as one of the original members of KISS, has once again stirred conversation about a possible reunion with his former bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. In a recent interview with Guitar World, Frehley expressed his views on rekindling musical ties with the rock icons he once shared the stage with.
Keeping the Door Open
When asked about the chance of working with Simmons and Stanley again, Frehley made it clear that he’s not ruling anything out.
Transcribed by Guitar World:
“I’m the kind of guy that never says never,” Frehley said.
His statement reflects a willingness to leave room for future collaborations, even though he has not committed to any specific plans.
Rock and Roll Brotherhood
Frehley also opened up about his personal relationship with the other KISS members. While fans are aware of the long history of conflicts within the band, the guitarist stressed that he harbors no animosity toward his former colleagues.
Transcribed by Guitar World:
“I don’t hate Paul or Gene, you know? We’re rock and roll brothers, and Peter, too. So, anything can happen.”
This message suggests that despite years of ups and downs, Frehley continues to view his former bandmates—Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss—as part of a brotherhood forged by decades of music and touring.
A Selective Approach to Reunions
While Frehley’s comments highlight his openness, his recent actions indicate a more cautious approach. According to Loaded Radio, the guitarist turned down an invitation to join the 2025 KISS Kruise.
His reason was telling—Frehley believes that a final reunion should have taken place years earlier, and that without the full original lineup, current reunion activities feel incomplete. For him, the essence of KISS lies in the original four members: Stanley, Simmons, Criss, and himself.
This viewpoint shows that while Frehley respects his former bandmates, he wants any reunion to have the authenticity fans would expect from the band that revolutionized rock theatrics in the 1970s.
Skipping the Las Vegas Shows
In addition to the Kruise, Frehley also declined to participate in the 2025 Las Vegas KISS shows, as reported by WRAT. These highly publicized performances were designed as a celebration of KISS’s career and legacy, but Frehley chose not to take part.
His absence reinforces his careful stance toward reunions—rather than joining high-profile events without the complete lineup, Frehley seems determined to protect both his own artistic identity and the band’s original integrity.
Why Frehley’s Decisions Matter
For fans, Frehley’s choices are more than simple scheduling conflicts. His selective approach reflects his commitment to controlling the narrative of his career and maintaining respect for KISS’s original legacy.
Unlike many artists who return to bands under any circumstance, Frehley appears to value quality over quantity. By choosing not to participate in partial reunions, he ensures that if a true reunion does happen, it will hold greater significance for both the band and its fans.
The Legacy of KISS and Ace Frehley
KISS has built one of the most influential careers in rock history. Known for their flamboyant makeup, larger-than-life stage shows, and unforgettable anthems like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Detroit Rock City”, the band has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.
Frehley’s role in shaping that legacy is undeniable. As the original lead guitarist, his solos and songwriting contributions helped define KISS’s sound. His 1978 solo album, released alongside individual records from Simmons, Stanley, and Criss, produced the hit “New York Groove”—a track that remains a fan favorite.
Even after leaving the band, Frehley continued to build a strong solo career, demonstrating his ability to stand on his own while still being closely tied to the KISS legacy.
Fan Reactions to Reunion Talk
The possibility of a reunion always excites the KISS Army. Longtime fans, many of whom have followed the band since the 1970s, often express hopes of seeing the original lineup perform together one last time.
Frehley’s comments—though noncommittal—fuel speculation and anticipation. Even his decision to decline certain invitations shows that he is not closing the door completely, but rather waiting for the right opportunity.
Looking Forward
At this stage, it is uncertain whether Ace Frehley will ever reunite with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss on stage again. What is clear is that Frehley continues to keep fans guessing, balancing openness with careful selectivity.
His recent words, paired with his actions, suggest that he values authenticity over convenience. For him, a reunion would have to mean something more than just another event—it would need to capture the true spirit of KISS.
Until then, fans can look forward to Frehley’s ongoing solo career, where he continues to showcase his talent and individuality. As for a KISS reunion? As Frehley himself put it, “Never say never.”
