KISS Members Reunite at Kennedy Center Honors Following Ace Frehley’s Passing
The surviving members of the iconic rock band KISS, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss, made a poignant appearance together at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. recently. The event took place less than two months after the passing of their former guitarist, Ace Frehley.
The trio, all clad in classic black tuxedos and adorned with medals, walked the red carpet at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. KISS, renowned for their groundbreaking stage presence, face paint, and incorporation of pyrotechnics, have left an indelible mark on the music industry with hits such as “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Forever,” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.” Their elaborate performances set a new standard for live rock concerts for decades.
The musicians also had the opportunity to meet with President Donald Trump at the Oval Office prior to the Sunday ceremony. Other luminaries who were honoured at the event included Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait, and Michael Crawford.
Ace Frehley’s passing on October 16 due to complications from brain bleeding after a fall at his home studio in Morristown, New Jersey, deeply affected the music world. His family made the difficult decision to remove him from life support.
Simmons revealed that Frehley would be honoured with an empty seat at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, a gesture that was discussed with President Trump.
Frehley’s family released a statement expressing their grief: “In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.”
They further emphasized their desire to celebrate his life: “Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
Gene Simmons, in an interview, reflected on Frehley’s struggles. He noted that Frehley sometimes made poor choices and didn’t heed the warnings of those close to him.
‘He refused [advice] from people that cared about him – including yours truly – to try to change his lifestyle,’ Simmons said. ‘Falling down the stairs – I’m not a doctor – doesn’t kill you.
‘There may have been other issues, and it breaks my heart … the saddest thing – you reap what you shall sow unfortunately.’
Simmons also spoke about attending Frehley’s memorial service: “Peter Criss, our founding drummer, Paul and myself went to the funeral, open casket.”
‘It was just heartbreaking,’ Simmons said. ‘Saddest of all perhaps is that Ace just couldn’t stay alive long enough to sit there proudly at the Kennedy Center and listen to – I can’t even tell you who’s going to come out … really impressive people, just to say how much KISS meant to them.’
President Trump had announced his role as the host for the show, which was broadcast on December 23.
During a State Department dinner, Trump predicted that his involvement would significantly boost the show’s ratings.
‘It’s going to be something that I believe, and I’m going to make a prediction: This will be the highest-rated show that they’ve ever done,’ Trump said.
He added that past broadcasts of the Kennedy Center Honors have ‘gotten some pretty good ratings, but there’s nothing like what’s going to happen.’
The Legacy of Ace Frehley
Ace Frehley’s impact on rock music is undeniable. His innovative guitar playing and distinctive stage presence helped shape the sound and image of KISS, contributing significantly to their global success. His contributions extended beyond his musical talent.
Guitar Style: Frehley’s unique guitar riffs and solos became a signature element of KISS’s music, inspiring countless guitarists. His playing style was characterized by its raw energy and blues-influenced bends, adding a distinct flavour to the band’s hard rock sound.
Stage Persona: As the “Spaceman,” Frehley cultivated a memorable stage persona that resonated with fans. His makeup, costumes, and on-stage antics contributed to the band’s theatrical and larger-than-life image.
Songwriting: Frehley also penned some of KISS’s memorable songs, including “Cold Gin” and “Shock Me,” showcasing his songwriting abilities and further solidifying his importance to the band.
Influence: His influence on subsequent generations of rock musicians is significant, and his legacy as a guitar icon will undoubtedly endure.
The Kennedy Center Honors appearance served as a reminder of the band’s enduring impact on music and culture, as well as a moment of reflection on the life and career of Ace Frehley.