KISS had one of the most financially successful reunions in rock history when original guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss re-joined the band in 1996. That financial success unfortunately didn’t translate to a long-term reconciliation, as the original band again fell apart with Criss’ departure in 2000 and Frehley’s second exit in 2002.
In a new interview with 101 WRIF, KISS bassist Gene Simmons was asked why the original lineup couldn’t hold it together longer. “Some of it was…initially, like you’re on your best behavior when you get back together with your ex,” Simmons said. “And then familiarity breeds contempt. I’d like to say that it was all wonderful and anything, but history tends to repeat itself.”
Simmons continued: “I couldn’t wait to restart their relationship with the two guys that helped us make everything possible. But you got to be on top of your game. You can’t go out there and be in the Olympics and do the bad stuff. Because the 50,000 folks who came to see you at the concert had to work hard for their tickets. So this idea that you can get up there and not do the best you can, and I’m trying to use nice language, is unacceptable.”
Check out Simmons’ full interview with WRIF below.
