Original KISS drummer Peter Criss recently revealed he was present with Ace Frehley at the hospital before his passing. He shared intimate details about their close friendship in a statement to Rock Candy Magazine.
Criss opened up about the deep bond he shared with his former bandmate and the emotional experience of being there during Frehley’s final moments.
“That was very hard on me because Ace and I were extremely close. We lived very near to each other,” Criss said. “I watched his daughter being born; he watched my daughter being born.”
The drummer went on to describe the profound significance of being present during such a personal moment.
“I was there at the hospital when he passed, and I got to hold his hand,” he continued. “I can’t tell you how happy I was to be with him at the end.”
This revelation provides insight into the personal relationships that existed beyond the public personas of the iconic rock band members.
The loss of Frehley has deeply affected the KISS community, particularly those who knew him personally. American Songwriter reported that Frehley died on October 16, 2025, at age 74 following a fall in his home studio. The tragic accident marked the end of an era for rock music fans worldwide.
Criss has since expressed regret about missed opportunities with his former bandmate. American Songwriter revealed that the drummer never fulfilled his dream of making an album together with Frehley, stating “I miss him dearly.”
The close relationship between Criss and Frehley stood in contrast to the tensions that often existed within the band. Ultimate Guitar noted that Frehley had previously reflected on their bond, stating “We used to really be very closely knit.”
However, not all relationships within KISS were as harmonious. Ultimate Classic Rock documented that Paul Stanley has stated he was never really friends with either Criss or Frehley. He described them as having become “impossible” and “intolerable” over time.
The emotional impact of Frehley’s passing continues to resonate with his former bandmates, highlighting the complex dynamics that existed within one of rock’s most iconic groups.
