"They Should've Been Here" Gene Simmons REGRET About Ace & Peter!

[@SN-nh6pq]

Ace Frehley was never fired or “let go”…. And as the drum tech for Cozy Powell, Alex Van Halen (1977) and a lot of other drummers it was a no brainer and quite evident that Eric Carr was the bands best drummer while Peter had the most iconic voice and that all important “IT FACTOR”.

[@Verdillac2]

Peter's playing had more swagger, and Eric Carr had more flair. Both of them has a sweet child-like enthusiasm for their roles in the same band, and both were very sensitive individuals that could barely cope with Paul & Gene on their *best* days. Gene and Paul have never wasted an opportunity to distance themselves from their own misdeeds towards all the other band members.

[@iplaypearldrums7935]

EC turbocharged KISS 👍👍. How was it working for Al?

[@stephenlandry9343]

@@SN-nh6pq agreed!

[@pacoloco4030]

Gene always says that Ace was fired!! HE QUIT!!!!!!!!!! Ace was NEVER fired from Kiss, NEVER!! Back in 1984 in NYC at Radio City Music Hall during the Lick It Up tour Vinnie was throwing a bitch fit with Paul because he wanted a longer solo. My dad was working backstage and he remembers Gene asking for a phone, he ended up calling ACE and asked him to please come back to the band. Ace said no, he couldn't do it. So Vinnie got Lucky, but in the end he was fired in Canada as both Paul and Gene had had enough of him. But Ace could have rejoined Kiss in 84, but he said no. FACTS!!!!!!!!!

[@TwistedSMF]

Yip. Technically, Ace was still under contract with Kiss. That is why Frehley's Comet never happened until 1987. That's when his contract ended. (This is from listening to Eddie Trunk.)

[@shaynewest8757]

Calm down idiot

[@lysaarvideo]

Ace was not in and out of the band three times. He left in 1982 and did the same in 2001, when his reunion contract expired.

[@thefonzkiss]

Correct.

[@brianstrutter1501]

Peter was tho. Fired January 1980. Left in 2002 and contract wasn't renewed in 2004.

[@anthonymisuraco8705]

He was asked to leave during recordings.

[@lysaarvideo]

@@anthonymisuraco8705 recordings of what?

[@lysaarvideo]

@@brianstrutter1501 Peter Criss demanded more money for the Japanese and Australian shows in 2001 than Gene and Paul would agree to pay, so Eric Singer stepped in. At the end of the tour Ace Frehley's contract expired. Tommy Thayer was brought in, but on the tour with Aerosmith they demanded at least three original members in Kiss, so Peter was brough back into the band for that tour only. It was in May 1980 that Peter Criss was let go from Kiss the first time, only days before Unmasked was released.

[@tablespoon888]

He never used drugs or alcohol..but he was addicted to money and women...that addiction hurt the ones around you just as much

[@Pancho-villa666]

So what's wrong with that ?

[@brianstrutter1501]

Yes but all through the 70's he was a very active member of the band. Can't say that about Ace or Peter

[@stephenlandry9343]

@@tablespoon888 absolutely! He's just a big hypocrite.

[@stephenlandry9343]

@@brianstrutter1501 Not true Ace and Peter's problems may have started around destroyer but didn't come to a head until alive 2.

[@johnhentges4210]

He’s a sex addict like Ted Nugent

[@drmusic3641]

Let's admit to the fact that what Paul said was final. He's more than likely the reason Ace and Peter, as well as Bruce were not invited to the finale show in December of last year.

[@brianstrutter1501]

Paul and Gene both said Ace and Peter were invited but declined asking for way too much money

[@stanleybroniszewsky8538]

​@@brianstrutter1501- but it always comes down to money. One reason the ticket prices were so expensive, especially the last two shows at MSG were for Gene and Paul putting out those disastrous avatars.

[@IgnacioHernandez-h2t]

Either way, Paul Stanley is KISS

[@stephenlandry9343]

@@drmusic3641 I never said they didn't they all do. It goes with the job. I don't get why all but 1 reply gets it. I'm not blaming Gene for how he lives his life. I'm just pointing out his hypocrisy and stating that an addiction is an addiction no matter what you're addicted to. That's all.

[@RedSun-Cinema]

@@brianstrutter1501 it's kind of hard to listen to Gene, who has a net worth of $400 million, complain about Ace and Peter asking for "too much money".

[@mysteriowc]

"You wont be witty".... Gene was really witty on the Tom Snyder show where ACE was the life of entertainment on that interview.

[@williamgaines9784]

The wit may be held back in sobriety, they don't refer to ethanol as a "social lubricant" for nothing. Sober folks generally get in less trouble than drunk or high people. His anecdote about stealing the drunks' girlfriends does not make him charming or witty, only sober and sly. A business must perform, he saw the other two originals failing to perform as he wanted and moved away from them. Fortunately for us all, that original "magic" was captured on vinyl and tape and we can hear over and over.

[@ChrisRogers-h2h]

I remember back in school,nearly everyone’s favourite kiss member was either Peter or Ace,this says a lot.

[@stephenlandry9343]

You are absolutely right! I really do believe that had alot to do with it both ways. Paul and Gene my have been jealous and Ace and Peter let it go to their heads and endulged a bit too much. ✌️

[@brianstrutter1501]

​@@stephenlandry9343- they weren't jealous of Ace and Peter. They had the core songs. They couldn't do 90 minute shows with Ace and Peter songs. Nothing to be jealous about

[@stephenlandry9343]

@@brianstrutter1501 OH I read in Peter's book that Bill Auction Made Gene and Paul The studio when Peter was recording Beth because they were mocking him. Yeah it went to #1 that had to sting a bit. 🤣✌️

[@TheScooter1963]

@@stephenlandry9343Gene and Paul were jealous of two drug/alcolics ? I don’t think so

[@TheScooter1963]

@@stephenlandry9343You realize Paul wrote Beth?

[@thecarolinashreds196]

I actually believe Gene is saying this from the heart. He probably does wish things would have been different with Ace and Peter. He knows they were the soul of the band. I love Kiss but is was never the same without Ace and Peter.

[@6StringSunburst]

Gene, you're full of it. You and Paul should have offered Ace and Peter formal contracts to appear and pay them accordingly. What you did was a not sincere; "yeah come by anytime and you'll be welcome". You know they would not just show up without rehearsal, sound check, etc. I call BS on you!

[@DMSProduktions]

Um they did!

[@DJRushX1]

uh yea man...I hate to say it but Gene is not lying. Even Ace has said it on multiple occasion's

[@MizzesB]

@@DJRushX1 yes I agree with you. However both refused due to lip syncing. They do it live. That is Kiss and always was. All 4 members are responsible for Kiss and not just 2 or fake kiss members. Even Bruce and Eric gave more than Fake Kiss. A big fan of the music and not the BS. Which is Gene.

[@MichaelSimmons.]

Kiss never did lip syncing at a concert. Get your facts straight.

[@zachary_attackery]

@@MichaelSimmons. lol are you insane? even their own manager admitted Paul lipsynchs, it's not even a question at this point

[@AarosConcerts]

Ace was never let go, he left on his own twice. Peter on the other hand was let go 3 times. Just wish he’d get that right, he knows what happened

[@Toooombstone]

Was just about to type that when I saw your message. He KNOWS Ace left every time and was never fired. I don't understand why he keeps repeating something that not only he knows isn't true, but WE know it's not true. The band is done. What's the point with continuing that line of bullshit?

[@3hooks781]

Ace did screw them up many times though. Especially during the reunion. Gene could go into specifics but he doesnt and just leaves it at that.

[@Toooombstone]

@@3hooks781 I promise you I'm not trying to start anything, but that's not how that should work. If someone wrongs you, you say HOW they did it. You don't make up an outright lie and keep trying to pass that off as the truth. Which is exactly what he is doing every time.

[@spiritualhammer392]

Gene should know better. Jackie Gleason was one of his heroes on TV, and Jackie was famously drunk daily while writing and then never rehearsing, but performing masterfully in front of live audiences sweating his ass off, being funny as hell. There are too many to name.

[@mysteriowc]

Bingo.

[@iSiberianHusky]

Gleason didn't write any scripts, but he did have a photographic memory to remember his lines. Regardless, Gleason is a horrible example. Come up with a different one, because Gleason ain't it. Of course there are many comedic talents who can still be funny when they're sauced and/or drugged out of their minds. But Simmons was actually talking about dependability. Frehley and Criscuola weren't dependable, and that was the issue. If they were functional alcoholics and/or functional addicts, Simmons and Ms. Stanley Eisen wouldn't have given a shit.

[@davidfrechtling787]

He's often mentioned The Beatles as a fave, clearly ignoring the fact many of their songs were inspired by certain substances.

[@TheGodYouWishYouKnew]

Ok but Ace and Peter didn’t perform masterfully in front of live audiences. Peter in particular was not good by 1979 and then again during the reunion. Ace could be very sloppy live. Personally, I’d rather hear good music than see familiar faces on the stage but I know I’m probably in the minority among kiss fans. Most KISS fans would rather have a bad performance as long as it’s Ace and Peter giving it.

[@terryshireman4271]

​@@TheGodYouWishYouKnew Ace n Peter do not give bad performances he seen the original kiss line perform many times over the years n they were awesome each n every time by the way Ace has a very successful solo career since the mid 80 s n still going on today so make sure you know what you're talking about n show some respect for Ace n Peter without them kiss would have never existed in the 1st place.

[@shandonsahm3343]

He's not saying that dealing w gene and Paul is like dealing w sand paper..ace and Peter were the heart and soul of kiss..they were the reasons I liked kiss

[@karlshuler1011]

Those two will never take the blame in any of this. I do in some ways believe he wishes it was the original band that finished up. It should have been, but greed took over after the reunion tour. Him and Paul and Doc didn't want to share the pot that they all could have made. It was a cash grab for Gene and Paul the reunion. Paul's wife took half his money in the divorce, then we got scab KISS.

[@johnnyguitar6639]

I like some of Ace's songs. Was he as great song writer as paul & gene? Doubtful.Do I believe that Paul& gene constantly overruled Ace & Peters songs contribution? Wouldn't be surprised if there was some truth in that. But that being said. Aces songs writing outside of kiss,is quite horrible. He is a legend in his own mind, and only there. I think the 4 of them together was great. But also they were all very opposite of each other. Paul & Gene had no real friends. Especially Gene according to ace.So when the tour was over they wanted to go back in studio.While peter and Ace wanted to go hang with their Friends. That create a different dynamic all together.But I do believe that Ace & peter is the victim of their own wrong doings and bad decisions making. Love or hate Gene & Paul. There's no Hiding the fact that they were better off without Ace and Peter.Sadly

[@TonyFromSyracuse101]

it had to be maddening working with Ace and Peter. They were so unprofessional…consider this… All four wrote books… yet only two could be bothered to narrate the books themselves…..guess which two became multi-multimillionaires and the other two are worth what any 50-year-old is worth today.

[@erics9754]

@@karlshuler1011 You must remember Paul is not to blame for anything it is always everyone's fault except his he is perfect. Gene and Paul are reinforcing stereotypes about a certain group of people and their unquenchable lust for the almighty dollar.I do not appreciate it because i have Jewish family members and they could care less about money and they are poor but these two guys give them a bad look. Especially canceling Eric Carr's insurance that is really low.Peter and Ace were just two guys who loved the rock lifestyle and the fun and music that went with it. Gene and Paul did not get pleasure from fun they only got pleasure from counting money.Peter and Ace were the soul of Kiss and without them Wicked Lester and their straight in the garbage record.When they added a guy who could actually play a guitar unlike the childlike playing of Gene and Paul then Peter with his groove and raspy voice that drove the good early rocking Kiss songs! Gene will never get it because Gene never let loose it was always being in control of everything like Paul some say that is a sick state of mind as sick as a drug pleasure seeker. They were very different Peter and Ace loved celebrating life and living on the edge Paul and Gene just wanted as much money as they could get and to hell with the other two guys.Paul would sing country if it got him what he wanted and he gives no shits about what the fans want ! The last version of Kiss was a disgrace sure they had a bigger budget for a show and that all it was but the guitar licks and soul of Ace and Peter was gone so what they presented was a tribute band with two replacements bar band quality hiding behind the two founding members makeup.They should have went out together and had the four original guys do the last show if i was Franken Ace or fake Catman i would have said no way call the real guys you need to do this for the fans who gave you a privileged life that you enjoy and give something back.Out of respect the four guys should have went out together and pay Peter and Ace whatever the hell they wanted.Its not like Gene and Paul are hurting for cash!

[@terryshireman4271]

@@johnnyguitar6639 If you actually listen to all of aces solo albums then you would know that his own material is quite good he is more creative without kiss since Gene n Paul are not there to control n minimize his song contributions.

[@mysteriowc]

Gene.... you were literally TOO HARD on Ace and Peter. Ace was the SOUL of KISS. As a lifelong Kiss fan the SOUND of the original KISS died when he was no longer there.

[@bluerfoot]

Bang truth. There were faster "better" players but nobody had more catch memorable lead lines and licks than Ace.

[@MizzesB]

Thank you for the honesty.

[@MizzesB]

@@bluerfoot More Honesty ..thank you.

[@GNewcomb-q9v]

Wrong! Ace wanted out in 78 because of the merchandising focus Gene & Paul were doing! Ace just wanted to play music! To keep Ace in the band, they decided to do the solos! Ace left the first time because of the failure the elder was! Ace said it is a good album but that want the album they need to make at the time! He said the follow up to Unmasked should have been like Creatures! Plus Ace was fed up with how Gene & Paul had been handling the band! Using session musicians! What got Ace to leave after the Farewell Tour was the recording process for PC! He & Peter thought they would record that album like they did the first three, TOGETHER! When Ace & Peter only were called to record their song & parts for I Pledge, he knew it was going to be the same ole thing!

[@MizzesB]

@@GNewcomb-q9v so when will we see content on the channel you have ? ..Do you know how funny that "Wrong !" is ? I mean bot who really cares. Have you nothing better to do ...how boring.🙄 enjoy the weekend.

[@shanecarravello2922]

There are Irish pubs all over this country. Whatt the hell is he talking about

[@jimsinister13]

there's a place called Boston, i hear there are a few pubs there, lol.

[@PUNKinDRUBLIC72]

Proving he's been off his head from time to time!

[@adrianlaws5057]

The corporate machine that was later Kiss needed the level of professionalism Gene and Paul insisted on. But rock and roll got lost along the way. Ace will always be the rock and roll heart of Kiss.

[@felixlusash]

Ace was never “let go” as Gene says. Peter yes, Ace No

[@MizzesB]

A legend in a band of legends. Like them or not. Gene is still not over Ace and Peter. Awesome Bass player.

[@predictorleague8780]

Pub is short for public house, not public hall 👍

[@DonLeist]

Publican house

[@thebluesrockers]

The reason Peter left is because he was out of control at the time. He was also having relationship issues. Ace left because he wasn't into "Unmasked" & "Music From The Elder." In fact, Kiss had to end the "Dynasty" tour early because of poor ticket sales. Kiss was no longer a band at that time. It took a staff of song writers to write "Creatures Of The Night" and Ace has stated that he may have stayed if they had presented that album to him instead of "Music From The Elder" His solo album from 78 was the best selling one. Not to mention how poor all the other solo albums sounded. His was the only solid album of the four. Vincent wrote nearly all of "Lick It Up" and my two favorite non makeup songs were written by him. "Young & Wasted" & "Not For The Innocent" Kiss went "Glam" back when they did "Lick It Up" & "Asylum'" The last original Kiss album was "Love Gun" & that album didn't come about from the four of them working together. The only time Kiss has ever worked as a band was before the "Kiss Alive" album. The worked out a few songs here & there in rehearsals & the studio, but that's about it. Everyone started treating each other like business partners instead of friends. That's why Ace left kiss. Gene knows this too. But don't expect to much truth from Gene & Paul. They always talk like they're the most important people in the room. And for whatever reason, they also live to put down the original members of Kiss.

[@fordcorrigan]

Funny you should say Peter was out of control, since he actually did come out with an album in the 1980's called "Out of Control".

[@FreeIndeed72]

KISS was always "glam". One of their biggest influences was the New York Dolls, as far as putting on the makeup goes, but the whole comic book character thing was picked up by one of the guys going to Japan or something like that.

[@thebluesrockers]

@@FreeIndeed72 The "Wicked Lester" days were experimental. Yes, they were influenced in those early days by the "New York Dolls" However, when they changed the name to Kiss, they sure weren't "Glam" But they did start the "Glam" apparel around 1979 with the "Dynasty" tour. But 74-78 Kiss wasn't Glam. Nobody has ever called "Love Gun" hair metal or Glam rock. But the "Glam" look started in 79' with the Dynasty tour.

[@karlshuler1011]

He makes some valid points. Though Ace quit each time. I agree with him on drinking. I know more obnoxious people who drink than ones who smoke pot. Hard drugs, sadly have taken how many great musicians from us.

[@Fuxerz]

Ace is his own victim. Peter is the smartest of them all. He's very happy with 25%. Living like a king. I love Ace, but he's got to get off booze and dope.

[@thebluesrockers]

Gene the word "Pub" A pub (short for public house) is in several countries a drinking establishment licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises. The term first appeared in England in the late 17th century, to differentiate private houses from those open to the public as alehouses, taverns and inns.

[@Schockin3]

It's true, Ace and Peter were the soul of Kiss! I've always had, the utmost respect for Gene; hearing him explain- gave me even more respect for him. All of them made Kiss, not just one or two.

[@TracyC-nj2tq]

If Ace and Peter had the work ethic of Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer, they would have been in KISS until the end.

[@samnwo1525]

You forgot the First Eric the greater Eric Carr

[@allrequiredfields]

Kiss didn't matter after 1980. I wouldn't have been showing up to work 15 minutes early every day either. Lol

[@TracyC-nj2tq]

@@samnwo1525 As a KISS fan since 1976 and a drummer since 1978, I can attest that Singer is the best of the three drummers in the band. Carr was certainly a "People's Rock Star" if there ever was one, but Singer is the better drummer.

[@riciron8824]

That's not necessarily true, Ace is still making music. I am the leader of a band, I've seen people come and go. With some it was sad with others I was glad to see them leave. Bands evolve and grow and change. Being in a band can be rough, you're away from your family for long periods, sometimes you have leave if you have a marriage that's worth saving. It can be rough and I don't think work ethic has anything do to with that. I love Ace and Peter. I wasn't sad they left, I just hated seeing someone else wearing pretending to be them. New members I don't have a problem with but dressing them up like old members is where I drew the line.

[@flyingburritobro68]

@@allrequiredfieldsonce they unloaded Criss and Ace quit they put out some good hair metal albums. Creatures is great so is Revenge

[@ujrocks77]

After all these years it feels good to see Gene being humble. Thank You Gene!

[@michaelmiller6848]

He is right... Very right

[@SwEeTpEnEloPe69]

Paul and Gene started the band and wrote The Lion's share of the music. They were diligent and stayed focused while the other two wreck themselves and sabotaged the band. Paul and Gene keep the band relevant and then allow them to come back for a huge payout on the reunion tour. If Ace and Peter are your favorite members that's one thing but to say that they are the heart and soul of the band is a huge exaggeration.

[@PauldeThroe]

You don't know what you're talking about. KISS used lots of outside writers. Paul and Gene haven't written together since the 70s. When Gene was trying to make it in Hollywood, he wrote nothing. Paul Stanley and his contributor's did it all. He didn't even play bass on all the songs.

[@ajo3085]

@@PauldeThroe "You don't know what you're talking about". What an ironic thing to say given you are arguing against established fact. Paul & Gene DID write the lion's share of the Kiss music. Feel free to name any songwriters who wrote more Kiss material than either of them did.

[@erics9754]

They were the heart and soul without them Kiss sounded like any other generic hair metal bands in the 80s and before they got them they were in Wicked Lester and we all know how successful they were lmao. If Ace and Peter never joined Kiss i doubt we would ever have heard of either one of them.

[@ajo3085]

@@erics9754 The four of them created something great together (as Gene once again acknowledges here) and you apologists for Ace & Peter always seem to overlook how successful they'd been before they joined Kiss or how hugely successful they were after they left Kiss with all those multi-platinum albums, sold out arenas etc.... LMAO.

[@Undead1963]

I used to buy their records at k mart. I remember I had most of their records but when the solo records came out I only bought ace’s because I could not keep up with buying 4 records like that.

[@chriscymone2236]

In 1980 I saw kiss in concert, I was thirteen and I was a huge fan, Gene,Paul, Ace and Eric, notice I put Gene first, that's because he was my favourite, love or hate him he's a one of a kind, I'll never say a bad thing about him.

[@leokimvideo]

Ace was always a huge fan favourite. He brought to Kiss a signature sound and individual song writing. Yet Gene and Paul seem to not remember this. Fact remains that the control freaks of Kiss never invited any of the other Kiss band members to the final concert. And that poor decision will only get more regretful and shameful over time.

[@wallofrock6725]

“Ace didn’t play on Sweet Pain because he was too busy playing a card game.” Decades later, Ace’s solo for Sweet Pain just magically shows up 🤣

[@magnusvanttinen7855]

There is still a magic over the four original members. Still listening on the 70th Kiss albums, they are great and there is no substitute. Ace and Peter are still cool. Anyway it's good that Kiss is still alive, but the dream is still alive from all us Kiss fans, to see all four original members United one last time. It could be a super concert with the four originals and could be doubled up with Eric and Tommy, why not? Gene and Paul Ace and Peter with Eric and Tommy. I guess that sound could be the best of the best. Crazy? He'll yes! But..... It would actually make us Kiss fans over happy for life. Think about it! I would pay the double price for such a KISS consert!

[@CMZIEBARTH]

I do think they could do a one-off like that.

[@MysticSpank]

i like the casual nature of Gene here. He has that grandpa sharing wisdom vibe here. I have seen some pretty funny drunk persons though.

[@romandacilv9260]

I was pretty much the same way. Rather be getting laid than getting drunk or stoned anytime.

[@erics9754]

I enjoyed all the above why limit yourself.

[@shaynewest8757]

Nobody cares

[@logancampbell6157]

Kiss would have died in the late 70's if not for paul and gene. Kiss would have been better in the last years if not for paul and gene. Both sides are to blame.

[@erics9754]

They should of i hated the 80s hair metal crap they did except for domino which was a decent song.

[@artisticvisions77]

Paul even mentioned in his book that he went to Ace's house to try to convince him to stay in the band. Ace was never fired.

[@picassoboy52]

ace and peter repeatedly blew a once in a lifetime opportunity they would never get again. The cared more about partying, getting high, crashing their cars, and not showing up for recording, than they cared about their fans. They still havent apologized to the fans and dont give a shit. Peter is farting into his sofa cushions in new jersey wondering wtf he did. He could have been there raking in millions. His solo career flopped. Kiss was a right place right time moment and he could never reproduce it again.......

[@RockinExperience]

Sad to end an iconic legacy over money. Pay it forward to the other half that helped get this whole thing started. I'm a bigger fan now than I was at seven years old! And its because of the contributions of all four original members. Ending this with Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter would have been the biggest goodbye ever in rock and roll. Not every band ends with all the original members.

[@davidfrechtling787]

Ernest Hemingway - "Write drunk edit sober". Gene Simmonds -"nobody ever said anything smart while drunk or high".

[@timsears951]

shouldnt matter howmnay times they were dismissed ..they should have been allowed .I do understand Gene & Pauls though you can onlt put up with so much...pont being they were there in the very beginning..in the band for seveal years sold a LOT of records

[@IgnacioHernandez-h2t]

I think Gene has a softer spot in his heart for Ace and Peter than Paul. Paul is to much of a Jaded business man.

[@peterstar2023]

For once I agree with Gene

[@adamfindlay7091]

Theres nothing that can erase that initial love or being hooked by some band or song.

[@headshaker4609]

I’m certainly not condoning drug use at all….but there’s no question that it certainly has resulted in some great music that wouldn’t have been otherwise

[@Undead1963]

lol Paul was my fave back in the day followed by Gene. I liked Paul because he did all the talking. Gotta love Peter & Ace too. The 70s were the best for girls …they were babes.

[@tablespoon888]

I loved the original Kiss as a kid in 1976.... Saw them at the Garden.... Then I saw them with the original guys on the Farewell tour in 2000....they were awesome ...as for as i am concerned that's when it ended..Went to see them with the 2 imposters..and literally walked out to get some food.. Paul and Gene kept it Going to drain the next generation of unwitting fans of money..

[@craigprice6947]

I don't think kiss is kiss without Ace and Peter,and I recent them for not respecting they're fans enough to take care of themselves and stay sober,you can't perform at your best if you're high or hungover!!

[@jimsinister13]

paul and gene never do any wrong even when they have scabs pretending to be Ace and Peter while doing a 20 year farewell tour spotlighting the music they helped make. why exactly would half the band (the better half) leave a band like kiss ? drugs, fame, booze ? sure, but what percentage of the problems rest on gene's and paul's shoulders ?

[@richardcullins7869]

I’m an Ace fan, and for the longest time had serious issues with Gene and Paul and my perception of how they treated Ace and Peter. Especially when Psycho Circus came out. To this day I wonder what the hell went through Paul’s mind, and Genes when it came down to the shockingly flamboyant image they made for the band from 82-90. Idk how they got laid so much acting like Richard Simmons and old boy from Rocky horror picture show. Other than this it’s still obvious that the KISS machine takes a ton of dedication and hard work- especially physically. Like it or not Ace and Peter didn’t take care of themselves, they didn’t really work on their chops as musicians. Ace has put out some killer solo stuff, but still he was hammered during the farewell tour. I was third row, and you could tell Ace and Peter wouldnt have the stamina to carry on. Plus, Peter bitched non stop about his elbows which is understandable. What I’m saying is that I salute gene and Paul for maintaining integrity and a good image (again, other than the 80s). They could have retired after the farewell tour and I wouldn’t have been upset at all. But if you were them, I guarantee you would have went as long as you possibly could. Making millions jamming around the world. Ace and Peter- I love yas- KISS ALIVE 1 & 2 was some MAGICAL FUCKIN ROCKNROLL EXCELLENCE- but, you guys kinda fucked up when it came down to business. I don’t blame you I’d be stuffin my nose with Peruvian blow too if I was u 2 in 1977-79. Gettin it done baby! Fuck yea. 🎉😂🎉😮🎉🎉🎉

[@bb-gc2tx]

lets make this point clear peter was not let go in 2004 because he drinking and doing drugs he was let go because they felt at his age and physical condition he couldnt keep up with rigors of touring

[@allanpeck8523]

Very true, and interestingly, on the previous co-headlining tour with Aerosmith, KISS needed Peter to fulfill the contract of "at least 3 original members remained in KISS to do that tour. They wanted and needed Peter then because Ace wasn't interested in opening for Aerosmith. After the tour with Aerosmith was over, Paul & Gene felt Peter wasn't up to the task of doing 2hr shows almost every 2 or 3 days for a whole tour and they brought Eric Singer back for a 3rd time around.

[@chrisoakley5830]

​@@allanpeck8523According to Google it was a Co Headlining tour and when I saw them on that tour Aerosmith played first and Kiss second.

[@PauldeThroe]

Let's make this clear. Peter was let go for financial reasons. Paul lip syncs, so performance has nothing to do with it.

[@bb-gc2tx]

@@PauldeThroe i agree but thats reason insecure stanley gave peter. i saw peter on 2003 tour he played great

[@glengamble526]

Peter was let go for being weak at playing (age) and being a difficult person.

[@ca82MHz]

Gene has become a lot more humble for the last ten years. I can really listen to him nowadays, he's not as high up on the horse as he was before...

[@mikeharvey2748]

Ace was never fired, they never wanted him too leave.

[@jcsolomon6470]

I'm an American,and Know what a Pub is,and Means!But I get What you are Trying to Convey,when ya Got Squirrelled,now!Gene!😂😮 ,

[@CoreyTourigny]

If the ship was going down with Ace and Peter in the band....then the ship should have gone down, with Ace and Peter in the band and not this BS we watched for the last 20 years. Lame excuses as always.

[@GNewcomb-q9v]

The “ship” was going down! Peter did have to go the first time because of drugs! Ace left on his own because of Gene & Paul! Ace did have a drinking problem but you see he never missed a show! If you remember, Ace was electrocuted when he grabbed a hand rail at one of their shows & still played the show with no feeling in his hand! It’s what inspired Shock Me! It was Gene & Paul that caused Ace to leave the second time! They lied to Ace & Peter about how things were going to be different! When it came time to record PC, Gene & Paul did Ace & Peter the same way they did them in the mid/late 70’s, used session musicians until it was time for the other two to add their songs!

[@BrianRidgway-u5g]

Kinda hard to work with someone who may be drunk, high or undisciplined. Studio time is costly. People need to show up when they are paid to show up. Not throwing stones at the phenomenal Ace or Peter, and it does sound like a cliche, "but the show must go on."

[@jeremywhitworth7299]

Peter has said that drugs were basically just handed to him from the band’s higher ups. Producers and people that were part of Casablanca Records were doing drugs. Drugs and alcohol are part of the entertainment industry. Gene’s wife had to accept the fact he was addicted to sex with groupies. She was reaping the rewards of his money. She knew that going into their relationship. Yeah, Ace and Peter were both responsible for their own “demons,” no pun intended. Both guys each owned 25 percent of the band. All four members each owned 25 percent of the band when they signed their first contract. Peter finally got to a point where he was hurting the band because he couldn’t function as being a drug addict. Drummer Anton Fig played on Frehley’s KISS solo album. They needed someone to play drums on the recording of Dynasty. He filled in for them. The same thing happened with Unmasked. It got to a point where there were no alternatives. They needed a new member of the band. I guess there was some legal way to get Peter replaced. I’m guessing they had to buy him out since he owned 25 percent of the band. Then you had Ace, Paul and Gene each owning 1/3 of the band. According to Ace, he was always being shot down on decisions by Gene and Paul. Ace was totally against recording Music From The Elder. His instincts were correct. It’s one, if not, the biggest flop in the band’s history. He knew he was never going to get his way by having 2 members constantly outvoting him on All the band’s decisions. Leaving was his own chance vs never having any control of the band. I’m sure Paul and Gene were both wanting him out of the band. They got their wish. Getting them back into the band in 1996 was a dream come true for Paul and Gene. They were no longer one of the top bands anymore. Grunge was still big. That Unplugged concert on MTV got fans excited. Fans wanted to see the original four members back together and playing live with the makeup. It was huge for Gene and Paul. Their careers weren’t really going anywhere. Plus, it was their band. They were the bosses. Ace and Peter were making more than they had in years. Peter hadn’t really done anything since his he was gone from the band. Ace had his own thing going during the 80’s with Frehley’s Comet and eventually just using his name Ace Frehley. Still, they were basically hired guns. That reunion tour took Paul from living in an apartment to living in a mansion. It was basically a huge cash grab for Paul and Gene. Otherwise, they probably wouldn’t have lasted as long as they have.

[@MikeFogelsinger]

Bruce and Eric should have been inducted in the HOF as well. They were there longer than Ace and Peter. The original line up made KISS. The other members continued the legacy. Eric and Tommy should have had their own make up. Eric Carr did and so did Vinnie Vincent.

[@johnniewalker3029]

Why ? They were just stand in copy cat employee's to Ace and Peter.

[@IgnacioHernandez-h2t]

​@@johnniewalker3029Eric Carr 100% deserves to be inducted

[@reloadnorth7722]

The biggest problem with KISS was and is Paul and Gene's malignant narcissism. Ace was the SOUND of KISS when he left, his sound couldn't be duplicated. Peter was great on the drums.

[@thomaskinne2357]

Gene Simmons, The Mel Gibson of Rock & Roll. Ha!

[@smolinger5656]

If it wasn't for Ace & Peter, you would have fewer fans by a long shot. Why not just thank them!

[@carltonanderson863]

❤What Gene and Paul said was what they wanted. Bruce said it and Eric carr said it. That's why they didn't rock the boat so to speak. Tommy and Singer they needed them till the end.

[@michaelcamm1863]

How bad were Ace and Peter really, or was it Gene and Paul were too straight? Polar opposites in a band just doesn't work well not long term anyway! Anyway it's all irrelevant now but stop pulling Ace and Peter down cause they got a second chance in 96 and you still moan about them!! If they were that bad why did Peter last 4 and Ace 5 years until they were let go again, it's all about the money 💰💰 no Originals no big money 💰💰 that's why they stayed so long 😮😮

[@FreeIndeed72]

Fun fact: Ace and Lemmy carried the same card. The only card you'll need, it's the Ace of Spades!😁

[@vesaparkkonen4279]

It's just,Gene doesn't have a say about the band, it's Paul's game that he has to go with..no matter how he feels about the band members.

[@GNewcomb-q9v]

Got to love how Gene continues to twists things around! Claiming Ace was in & out of the band 3 different is a lie! Ace left after The Elder & again after The Farewell Tour! It was Gene who tried to beg Ace to come back to the band! Ace has been enjoying the fruits of his labor with Kiss! The man has made millions from music royalties from Kiss & he reaped the rewards of every time Thayer put on his makeup! People don’t realize that it was only Peter who sold Gene & Paul his rights to his makeup & costumes! Ace kept his & even admitted in an interview not that long ago that he got paid every time Thayer put his makeup on! Ace was fed with with Gene & Paul’s BS! Gene hates to admit that! Gene no longer talks about how the solo albums in 78 came about! Ace wanted to leave them because Ace didn’t care about comic books with their blood in the ink or the other merchandise! Ace just wanted to play music! The solo albums proved who was the more serious about the music! Ace left after The Farewell Tour because he saw nothing had changed! He was lied to about how they would record PC! He was told it walked be as it was in the early 70’s! When they actually recorded as a band, without session members! Gene will never admit that it was him & Paul that ruined the band! Greed really does ruin lives & is a root of evil! Love Kiss, but hate Piss, (2002-2023)!

[@erics9754]

I agree Paul and Genes greed destroyed Kiss.Someone should have forced Gene and Paul to get good and stoned so it would loosen up there clenched ass cheeks a little lol. I guess Gene was trying to shit out diamonds along with Paul.

[@centaurus5676]

Black Astro Turf on your head is not cool!

[@warthogA10]

There are plenty of famous music stars who never used alcohol or drugs, who many would be shocked to find out, such as Ted Nugent, Angus Young (as biggest examples), .. but sadly they are very few within the industry as a whole. Alcohol and drugs were even a serious problem among many old time country music stars, who were often featured on family tv shows weekly during the 1970s. It really is a sad thing, and sadder they are such prominent staples within the general population. Nothing good ever comes from indulging in alcohol and drugs.. but they're extremely high profit markets/industries (which is why governments have always strived to maintain control over them to profit from it all directly.. along with human trafficking) while pretending to be trying to reduce them, which they profit even more from through the tax dollars for bogus programs and policies they create which they then embezzle a good chunk of..

[@Mangledthumb]

Good man. Met him and Paul once back stage in Saskatoon in 97 I think. Very smart and a humble man considering he is a God. Treats everyone with utmost respect.

[@thefonzkiss]

Gene handed his balls over to Paul in 2003 when they regrouped after the first fake farewell tour. Paul said it was his way or the highway and Gene took it. Paul has made all the decisions since then.

[@pauldunlea3669]

Without Ace and Peter the band would not have existed

[@egrintarg230]

Once a person is addicted to cocaine that is it. It is no longer about anything that you can do. Having been harder on them would not have done anything. When the brain is broken it is broken and it stays that way. It is not like alcohol and weed where a person can just clean up their act.

[@TimothyWarner-q7s]

It's sad that Paul Stanley ruined the end of the road tour by ripping of the fans by lip syncing of he couldn't sing then now out gracefully

[@terrymckenzie8786]

Gene needs to smoke a dubie just to see how great getting high is. Your senses mix up and the creative atmosphere happens that can never happen straight. Most of the best music ever created was under the influence whether rock, jazz or blues. Gene is to forced on getting his rocks off and making money. ….all about me

[@cgeescorts1487]

When i was young, i loved Ace. I learned every song and lead on Alive 1. But Ace never grew as a guitarist. His best work was on Alive 1. Ace had the look, the smoking guitar, his own style, it was all there for him. But he just stopped, he never developed and got better. And then, Eddie Van Halen happened and it was bye bye Ace. Very sad, but true.

[@TwistedSMF]

I wss the same. As a kid during the 70s, Ace was my favorite. (70s - Ace, 80s - Paul 90s on to this very day Gene.) But sometimes you can't help but wonder how Kiss would had sounded like if they went with Bob Kulick. Bob always grew. His work on WASP's Crimson Idol is just amazing.

[@erics9754]

Not me i was not into the scratch jerky playing of Eddie he was great of course but i liked the melodic sing along solos of Ace and how smooth the notes flowed from his guitar his style was cool as fuck Eddies not so much.Eddie was more of a look at me guitarist Ace was just cool as fuck. How fast a guy can play never impressed me how Ace made musical memorable solos impressed me much more.

[@12floz67]

@@erics9754 Like having your guitar spew smoke during a unaccompanied solo doesn’t say look at me,look at me!😂

[@spencergroup]

Gene seems to blame everybody but himself. Does he never take any accountability? I know Ace and Peter got carried away with booze and drugs, but understand they were in a rock band in the 70s. Although there was musical chemistry, unfortunately certain personalities just clash.

[@brandonyankowski4319]

Now that I don't drink,I completely understand Gene and Paul's side,I can't stand being around drunks now,lol

[@egrintarg230]

Also there is an herb called tribulus that will make it bigger and that is about it. But if you use it all the time you will go bald faster. Then there are nootropics like ginkgo, lion's mane and racetams that do have studies backing them up. Although never take a racetam without choline. Herbalism is a fascinating topic.

[@JamesK-i9e]

Last I heard, Ace nor Peter wanted to be in KISS' final tour or shows. And, Gene lies again saying they were kicked out 3 times.

[@michaeldalton8374]

Not for FREE

[@DaveWoodring-c7l]

Jon Kay sunglasses lead singer from steppenwolf pusherman wicked 🖤💜🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@jeffclayton6123]

Gene and Paul are jealous, Ace showed them with the solo albums. He was clearly a better song writer and the true backbone of KISS❤

[@DaveWoodring-c7l]

Aries rising like to be number 1 (: I have a Aries Moon like Rhianna

[@careful...Icarus]

Should've been Bob Kulick and Anton Fig from the beginning

[@iSiberianHusky]

Bob Kulick always seemed incredibly gay to me. And he probably was. Which is a good reason for him not to be in the band, he and Paul would have been making out in the dressing rooms and causing the shows to run late.

[@erics9754]

Hell know Peter and Ace were the only reason most people liked KIss in the beginning.That version of Kiss would never had made it.

[@careful...Icarus]

Both Bob Kulick and Anton Fig could play rings around Ace and Peter. As a bonus they wouldve shown up on time ready to play 100%. Maybe Ace and Peter have fans that relate to them being unreliable,delusional liabilities. Those fans must see themselves in Ace and Peter. I would rather be where the success is. Team Paul and Gene.

[@TimothyWarner-q7s]

It has more to do with Paul Stanley not wanting anyone stealing the spot light he want people who just do what he says an have no input in the music

[@Ivy-u6h]

Your and Paul's ego kept them out! Bruce Kulick said that best

[@briantracey7508]

I was backstage at varsity stadium in Toronto for the Destroyer tour i was 14 at the time and Paul Stanley completely ignored me i tried to tell him i had won the backstage pass from cpi dressing up as him and singing shout it out loud at Nathan Phillips Square, he couldn't care less complete ego maniac and a total disregard of what it took for me to go the show without a chaperone i was by myself, i will say Ace and Peter welcomed me and treated like a normal Kiss fan ....oh i guess when you love money more then your friends that says something.....shame on Paul and Gene .

[@DaveWoodring-c7l]

Detroit Rock City wicked great 👍👍👍 flames shooting out

[@DaveWoodring-c7l]

Aries rising like Michael Jordan ❤❤❤❤❤

[@SlickMopar]

Sorry Gene, but you've been saying I don't do this or I don't do that shit for to long and who really cares. One thing you do, do a lot of is use that for your only excuse for snubbing Ace and Peter. Every true kiss fan knows when they left kiss turned to piss👎

[@DaveWoodring-c7l]

Home coming queen throwing clay at me cause I was wearing Jon Kay sunglasses in highschool

[@TwistedSMF]

It just never ends with Gene with him bashing Ace and Peter. Stop it, Gene. You knew when you brought them into the band how they were THEN. Could you take some responsibility? That being said. Ace/Peter is what gave you the life that you currently have. And besides all that, It's over. Fans have moved on. I don't understand why he can't just let all that go. Oh well. It is what it is.

[@iSiberianHusky]

He gets asked the same questions, so he keeps giving the same answers. If you don't want to hear Mr. Ridiculous Wig's Ace and Peter-bashing related answers, then tell these guys to not ask Mr. Ridiculous Wig any Ace and Peter-bashing related questions.

[@TwistedSMF]

@@iSiberianHusky Sure. I got every single one of these people on my address book on my phone. I will ask them to stop doing that shit. I will make sure you said hello. So he has been asked this question since 1980 I guess. And probably so. My point is still valid. He does not have to answer the shit every single time.

[@poppycock6572]

It dawned on me this way one day. If you brought a case of say, root beet or Coke to a party and so did everyone else. You all drink as many as you can and beyond.... disgusting, or you have a three day weekend and PAY to get flu-like symptoms the following day? Yeah, what's the point? That's what stopped me. Not a car accident, a judge, a divorce. Wasted years for sure and amazingly I don't know any of those people that I hung out with back then... shocking.

[@sandyhanson6082]

Its because you and Paul wouldn't let it happen.

[@PauldeThroe]

I haven't listened to KISS since they put suck ass Tommy Thayer in Ace's makeup. I don't give a damn about anything Gene Simmons says.

[@mikec1851]

Interesting. So why did you watch this interview then??

[@daviddunn773]

Dose he have on a wig his hair should be gray or white ...

[@wallofrock6725]

It’s his customized piece of carpet 😂

[@iSiberianHusky]

It is gray and white, but that's just the color of the netting underneath the black wig.

[@J.R.Hunsaker]

Gene doesn't understand addiction...being "harder" on Ace & Peter would've driven them away faster.

[@daveytandtheplacetobe7561]

1:59 great save

[@michaelparsons2901]

Actually Gene should have been more assertive and stood up to Paul more. Paul was the worst. He tortured Peter after he wrote Beth and it became a hit. Paul even to this day tries to downplay Peter from his own song. Gene shouldve told Paul to shut his mouth more.

[@johnnyguitar6639]

Meh! I think he is full of BS. He just trying to please the people who still rooting for Ace & Peter. Either that or he is working an angle. As usual. He is a great business man, and OK song writer. If you want songs with hundred metaphors for sex. But he's always working an angle. they were cut loose cause they pulled the band down.

[@shandonsahm3343]

Agreed 💯

[@Kaspertube513]

*YOU gonna help your friend video bob ? After he lost his house ? You're as tight as FK* .

[@willchew4040]

Should've paid em instead of impersonators.

[@lucas8095]

Paul has the final say on anything Kiss related so they can play stupid but we all know Ace and Peter were never invited or wanted they just let it float around so they could sell tickets 🤔

[@MatChew75]

Gene and Paul ruined this band and they listen to crappa blanca and the unstable Bill aucoin and his management which had nothing to do with bands it had more to do with Hollywood production and not all this merchandise crap those two lost sight of music and what kiss meant to them. Station of jump ship from Casablanca right before they did the solo albums and after they did that stupid movie. And kicking Peter and Ace out of the band should have never been an option I mean honestly do you think the who would have ever kicked Keith Moon out of the band regardless of how crazy and messed up he was hell no. I mean Peter's voice and it's drumming was critical to kiss I don't care how many people say Eric Carr was a better drummer but his drummer was not conducive to kiss his music and he could not sing like Peter Peter swing like drumming may kiss special and Ace's guitar playing was out of this world and nobody could touch his guitar playing. At the end of the 70s they should have taken a break I mean my God they toured more than any band probably in the world at the time I mean they were always on the road or in the studio they needed a break they were all burnt out and they all had huge Egos and they all needed to hit the reset button and all of them had issues that they were dealing with they needed a couple of years off and away from each other. Butt kicking Peter out of the band was the worst thing they could have ever done and letting Ace leave the band was the worst thing they could have ever done because they were never the same again they were completely lost in the 80s following genres and they were a miserable band and it didn't come together again until the original four reform to the band that was once the greatest thing on this planet and that was 70s Kiss. What do you think Gene and Paul changed hell no they were still egomaniacs and they were hell-bent on making money and it didn't have anything to do with Peter Ace they were going to make more money than those two and they were going to write up contracts that had all kinds of stipulations because they never sat down and discuss the past and came to an agreement and just gave each other hugs and told each other they loved each other and and never let anything get in their way again no matter what it was and it should have been split four ways down the middle. But Gene and Paul made it absolutely miserable on Peter and Ace and of course after what 2003 or 2005 it went back to kiss being an absolute joke till they retired in 2021. I mean I've never seen four guys bitch and whine and talk shit about each other more than kiss does Gene and Paul were a huge part of that. So Peter didn't have good English his vocabulary was not the best he wasn't the smartest person in the world who cares man he's still a freaking musician he's still just as much a part of that band is Gene and Paul ever were and Ace was just as special to that band as they were as well. You know the downfall was when of course Gene and Paul decided they didn't want Peter and Ace a part of Psycho Circus I mean what were they thinking they could have made an incredible album and the passion and the energy in the ideas were there and they just void Ace and Peter especially Peter I mean saying that he couldn't play drums my God I saw him on the Psycho Circus tour and he was amazing I mean his drumming was as good as it had been since the late seventies. I mean he was busting his ass for that band and so was Ace and you know Ace still had issues I'm not saying they were bad issues with drugs like it was in the late 70s and early 80s and he was never punctual and always late but that's just ace you know I mean how are they not used to that that shouldn't basically tear the band apart and give them reasons to kick him out Peter was still doing the same things he did in the seventies like put tin foil on the windows so he can sleep. I mean the magic of the music was back together but they never sat down and ironed everything out as a band and has four brothers. And Paul and Jean just tried to sweep it under the rug and make it all about them. And then of course after Ace and Peter were gone I think by 2005 kiss was back to being piss or Las Vegas kiss. Once again a shell of their former self they were lost and they were following genres I mean my God those Studio albums they put out were absolute garbage. And now Gene wishes that he would have been you know more of a loving brotherly figure and been harder on them and kept them in the band no matter what it's a little too late now that's the problem though Paul would have never agreed to that he is the most egotistical whiny man woman I have ever seen honestly I think he's got more issues than anybody in that man and he's a homosexual. At least Gene you know dealt with his demons you know being a male gigolo in settle down and actually got married. I think Paul is just a closet homosexual I think he had his one son to make everybody think that you know that he's a heterosexual. I think his ego was worse than anybody in the Bands he probably had the least problems in the band but yet he couldn't deal with life on life's terms. And this crap oh I had to always be on the road I couldn't be at home by myself. Well you should have gotten used to it because bands can't stay on the road forever and being cooped up in hotel rooms and being on buses and planes all the time is not life yeah that's how you make money but you have to take breaks. You know he should just accept who he is and come out of the closet like Rob Halford did. That's why he's been always impossible to work with and you honestly think that he will ever come out and say man I wish I would have been tougher on Peter and Ace and been more of a brother to them than just you know some dude in a band with them and been less of an egomaniac and I'm money hungry megalomaniac homosexual. No he would never do that he would never sit here and follow his emotions and give Ace and Peter the benefit of the doubt. But yeah Gene it's a little too late for all that buddy. You should have split the return of kiss in the mid-90s right down the middle four ways and y'all should have ironed out all you differences in sat in a room for no Talent how long and hashed out everything and got it all behind you I mean they got in the studio and hashed out everything and got back the magic of the music but you have to get back the magic of the four brothers in the band and Gene and Paul never even gave it a chance. That's all Peter and Ace wanted man was respect from those two and they just wanted it to be a band you know where four brothers were together and they would have each other's back no matter what happens. Me no wonder Peter felt like the odd man out like he was an idiot you know oh he couldn't speak English correctly I mean they just always shit on him no wonder he started taking drugs and doing things by himself and not giving a fuck about the band no they didn't give a damn about him they wanted him to implode and Destroy himself so they could kick him out of the band I mean that's the most pathetic thing and they had no intentions of helping Ace and getting him to clear his mind and get his ship right all Jean and Paul cared about was themselves. So kiss my ass Stanley and Simmons. To me you and Paul were more of a problem than Ace and Peter honestly I think Peter and Ace were more critical to that band and then Jean and Paul because without them kiss would have never been what they were and they had to find a drummer and the guitar player because without those two they wouldn't have ever made it. Peter and Ace are legit and God bless both of them.

[@grandadneal8114]

Gene and Paul regret how they treated Eric Carr so really missed an opportunity to have everyone at the last concert. Clearly they don't learn