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\u00a0Rock Candy Magazine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Criss opened up about the deep bond he shared with his former bandmate and the emotional experience of being there during Frehley\u2019s final moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat was very hard on me because Ace and I were extremely close. We lived very near to each other,\u201d Criss said. \u201cI watched his daughter being born; he watched my daughter being born.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The drummer went on to describe the profound significance of being present during such a personal moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was there at the hospital when he passed, and I got to hold his hand,\u201d he continued. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how happy I was to be with him at the end.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This revelation provides insight into the personal relationships that existed beyond the public personas of the iconic rock band members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The loss of Frehley has deeply affected the KISS community, particularly those who knew him personally.\u00a0American Songwriter\u00a0reported 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Criss has since expressed regret about missed opportunities with his former bandmate.\u00a0American Songwriter\u00a0revealed that the drummer never fulfilled his dream of making an album together with Frehley, stating \u201cI miss him dearly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The close relationship between Criss and Frehley stood in contrast to the tensions that often existed within the band.\u00a0Ultimate Guitar\u00a0noted that Frehley had previously reflected on their bond, stating \u201cWe used to really be very closely knit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, not all relationships within KISS were as harmonious.\u00a0Ultimate Classic Rock\u00a0documented that Paul Stanley has stated he was never really friends with either Criss or Frehley. He described them as having become \u201cimpossible\u201d and \u201cintolerable\u201d over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The emotional impact of Frehley\u2019s passing continues to resonate with his former bandmates, highlighting the complex dynamics that existed within one of rock\u2019s most iconic groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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