David Ellefson Calls Out KISS’ Gene and Paul for Snubbing Ace Frehley at Farewell Show
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When KISS wrapped up their “End of the Road” farewell tour in December 2023, fans expected an explosive celebration of the band’s legacy — one that might include appearances from the original members who helped build their legend. However, the absence of founding guitarist Ace Frehley left a noticeable gap. Former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson recently weighed in on the controversy during The David Ellefson Show, questioning why Frehley was left out of the final curtain call. His remarks reignited the ongoing debate about KISS’s complicated relationship with its past members.
Ellefson expressed confusion over the decision, pointing out that it would have been fitting for Frehley to join the band for at least one song. He framed his comments not as criticism, but as a musician’s curiosity about the thought process behind Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s choice. For many fans, the final show felt incomplete without the “Spaceman” who helped define KISS’s sound and image during their early years.
The bassist’s observations reflect a sentiment shared by countless long-time fans — that while KISS’s farewell was grand and spectacular, it lacked the full sense of closure that a reunion of the original lineup could have brought.
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“Why Not Bring Ace Back?”
During his show, Ellefson openly wondered why Frehley wasn’t invited to join the band for their farewell performances. “Would it have been appropriate for Ace to come out and play with them one last time? I mean, why not?” he asked. His question echoed what many fans had been asking since the tour began — why not give the founding guitarist a chance to share the stage one final time?
Ellefson clarified that, from a band member’s perspective, he could somewhat understand Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s stance. “In their mind,” he explained, “he’s not part of the band, not part of the act, not part of the show.” Still, he emphasized that the choice not to include him was ultimately one of preference — and that if they truly wanted Ace there, they could have made it happen.
His remarks highlight the complex balance between preserving a modern, polished act and honoring the original chemistry that made KISS iconic. To Ellefson and many others, the farewell show was an opportunity to bridge those eras — an opportunity that was sadly missed.
A Spectacle Without the Originals
KISS’s final show took place on December 2, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York City — a fitting venue for the band that started there five decades earlier. Fans were treated to all the signature theatrics: Gene Simmons breathing fire and spitting blood, Paul Stanley zip-lining over the crowd, and a thunderous encore featuring “God Gave Rock and Roll to You II.” The concert was streamed live via ppv.com, allowing fans around the world to witness what was billed as the band’s ultimate performance.
The show capped off a farewell tour that spanned over 250 dates across multiple continents. Each performance served as a celebration of KISS’s influence and spectacle-driven legacy. Yet, beneath the fireworks and makeup, there lingered an unspoken sentiment — that the original four members would never share the stage again.
For many in attendance, the night was bittersweet. It honored KISS’s long history but also underscored the divisions that had persisted for decades. Without Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss, it felt more like the end of an era than a full-circle moment.
Legacy and Lingering Questions
Even after the final note faded, Paul Stanley hinted that KISS’s story might not be entirely finished. In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, he noted that while “KISS as we know it is done,” the brand itself is “so far from over.” This statement fueled speculation about future appearances, hologram performances, or special projects that could continue the band’s legacy without the original lineup.
Still, the exclusion of Ace Frehley from the farewell tour remains a sore point among fans and fellow musicians alike. Ellefson’s comments brought that wound back to the surface, prompting renewed discussion about what could have been a powerful moment of unity and nostalgia.
In the end, KISS went out on their own terms — larger than life, dramatic, and unmistakably themselves. But as Ellefson suggested, a final bow with Ace Frehley might have made their goodbye not only spectacular, but truly complete.
