ACE FREHLEY, the original guitarist for KISS, has opened up about his continuing tensions with PAUL STANLEY, suggesting that jealousy may be at the heart of their rocky relationship. In a candid new interview with Guitar World, Frehley detailed why he has distanced himself from recent KISS events and took aim at Stanley’s past remarks.
Why Ace Frehley Skipped Recent KISS Events
The discussion arose when Frehley was asked why he hasn’t participated in high-profile KISS appearances, such as the “Landlocked in Vegas” event, despite previously joining KISS Kruises in the past.
“There’s multiple reasons,” Frehley said.
“About nine months before KISS was going to play Madison Square Garden, both Paul and Gene were saying, ‘We’re going to bring everybody out on stage.’ Then a few months before the concert, they both changed their tune and said, ‘Ace and Peter aren’t going to do it.’”
The change in plans was clearly a point of frustration for Frehley, who felt misled after being initially invited to participate.
The “Piss” Comment That Crossed the Line
Frehley also referenced a disparaging remark made by Paul Stanley, which became a major catalyst for their latest fallout.
“In fact, Paul went on to say, ‘If Ace and Peter got on stage with us, the band could be called Piss.’ So, I kind of got into an argument with him,” Frehley recalled.
That remark made headlines at the time and led Frehley to publicly respond through his friend and radio personality Eddie Trunk.
“Ed Trunk let me use his show as a platform. But it was just… I got upset, and then I just kind of let it go.”
While Frehley may have chosen to move on, the incident clearly left a lasting impression.
Jealousy as a Possible Root of Conflict
Perhaps the most striking part of the interview came when Ace Frehley suggested that Paul Stanley’s actions might stem from jealousy.
“Paul says things off the top of his head without thinking sometimes,” he said.
“Jealousy can make you say stupid things.”
It’s not the first time Frehley has hinted at deeper issues behind the scenes, but this statement adds fuel to a fire that’s long been smoldering between the original members of KISS.
A History of On-Again, Off-Again Conflict
Tensions between Frehley and his former bandmates, particularly Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, go back decades. Although Frehley reunited with KISS during their late ‘90s reunion tour, he eventually departed again, citing creative differences and personal conflicts.
Over the years, the band’s original members have traded barbs through interviews, books, and social media. Frehley’s 2011 memoir, No Regrets, offered a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s early years and included critical takes on his former bandmates. Stanley and Simmons have also been publicly critical of Frehley’s behavior during his time in the band.
Despite these rifts, fans have often hoped for a full reunion of the original KISS lineup — a dream that now appears more unlikely than ever.
Fans React to the Divide
The continued back-and-forth has left many longtime fans feeling conflicted. While the music of KISS remains iconic, the personal drama between members has often overshadowed the band’s legacy in recent years.
On fan forums and social media, reactions to Frehley’s latest comments are mixed. Some applaud him for speaking his truth, while others wish the original members would let go of past grievances and focus on the music.
No Reunion on the Horizon
Despite Frehley’s openness about his feelings, there doesn’t appear to be any sign of reconciliation on the horizon. KISS has effectively moved on with its farewell tours and offshoot projects, and Paul Stanley has shown no interest in bringing back former members in any official capacity.
For Frehley, the decision to stay away seems to be as much about protecting his own peace as it is about past conflicts.
Final Thoughts
Ace Frehley’s latest interview sheds more light on the ongoing discord within KISS, particularly with Paul Stanley. While some may dismiss the feud as rock star ego, others see it as the byproduct of a long and complicated history between talented but very different personalities.
Whether jealousy is truly at the heart of Stanley’s behavior — as Frehley suggests — is up for debate. What’s clear is that the wounds haven’t fully healed, and fans hoping for one last curtain call with the original members may be waiting in vain.
“Jealousy can make you say stupid things.”
– Ace Frehley
