Peter Criss Reveals Ace Frehley’s Final Words to Him

Peter Criss recently shared details about his final conversation with Ace Frehley, offering a rare and emotional glimpse into the late guitarist’s state of mind before his passing. Speaking in an interview with Billboard, Criss reflected on how excited Frehley was about KISS being recognized by the Kennedy Center.

According to Criss, the call stood out because Frehley sounded unusually upbeat. He recalled Frehley’s genuine surprise and pride at receiving the honor, noting that he hadn’t heard his former bandmate that energized in quite some time. For Criss, that moment now carries added weight, knowing it would be their last exchange.

The conversation also underscored how closely connected the two remained over the years. Despite the band’s well-documented internal conflicts, Criss made it clear that his bond with Frehley endured beyond the headlines, rooted in shared history and mutual respect.

https://twitter.com/KISSopolis/status/1997501129295601969

Ace Frehley’s Renewed Energy and Unfinished Plans

Criss emphasized that Frehley wasn’t simply celebrating past achievements. At the time of their conversation, Frehley was actively planning his next chapter, preparing to tour again and working on new material. That sense of forward momentum made his enthusiasm feel especially meaningful.

Criss recalled Frehley sounding hopeful and motivated, a reminder that his creative drive never fully faded. The Kennedy Center honor, in Frehley’s eyes, wasn’t just recognition—it felt like validation that his contributions still mattered and were being properly acknowledged.

That perspective adds a poignant layer to the story. Frehley wasn’t reflecting on an ending; he was looking ahead. For Criss, remembering that optimism makes the loss even harder to process, knowing how much his friend still wanted to do.

An Empty Chair and a Lasting Absence

When the Kennedy Center ceremony arrived, the absence was impossible to ignore. Criss described sitting beside Frehley’s empty chair, where his medal rested, as one of the most difficult moments of the evening. The physical reminder of his absence brought the reality of the loss into sharp focus.

Criss openly admitted that he is still grieving. He spoke about how close they were and how deeply Frehley’s death affected him, describing the mourning process as ongoing rather than something that fades with time. The ceremony, meant to celebrate achievement, became intertwined with personal loss.

Following Frehley’s death on October 16, 2025, tributes poured in from across the rock world. Former bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons called him an essential force in KISS’s legacy. While reactions in the weeks after included moments of controversy, Criss’ reflections cut through the noise, centering on friendship, shared history, and the silence left behind.

https://twitter.com/PeterCrissFeed/status/1999931403925156083