Gene Simmons saved Ace Frehley's life

[That 70s Guy]

classicrockrevisited

That Metal Show Ace Frehley (KISS) Sneak Peek:

Ace Frehley returns to VH1 Classic's That Metal Show to share some stories from his upcoming book and shocks the boys with his latest Bahamian stage trick.

"Ace Frehley (KISS) Sneak" | Show Clip | VH1.com

Sneak Peek Quote:
Ace Frehley tells us the story of the time Gene Simmons saved Aced Frehley from drowning:

Ace Frehley: “I didn’t know Gene was a lifeguard. I actually drowned one day at a Holiday Inn.”(laughs)

Ace Frehley: “I’m serious.”

Don Jamieson: “Was it after Eddie’s wedding. That’s where he got married.” (laughs)

Ace Frehley: “No, this was before, this was in the seventies. I actually drowned. Everyone else was ****ed up, I was ****ed up obviously, but everyone else was loaded and I went under. I’m thinking about the “Bugs Bunny” cartoon where he puts up one finger, and he goes down (laughs) and he puts up two fingers and he goes down. I’m laughing hysterically (laughs) and the next thing you know I’m drowning. Gene pulls me out of the pool and pumps the water out of me. Only later I found out that he was a certified lifeguard when he used to go to college.”

Eddie and Don: “Wow!”

Jim Florentine: “Did he charge you for saving his life?” (laughs)

Ace Frehley: “That’s a good question.” (laughs)

 

[METALPRIEST]

The first thing that came to mind was Gene Simmons in X -Treme Close Up saying "You try and save someone from drowning and they'll take you down with them" in regards to what kept him going all these years was his selfishness. "Why should I let some knucklehead's runied life affect mine"

This thread from Ace left me a bit cold as these quotes from Gene came back to me.

 

[snakes&ladders]

I always knew Gene was a NICE GUY

 

[Hardnecker]

Deep down, I think it's pretty plain to see Gene is good people. Sure he runs at the mouth from time to time. He's got an image he feels needs to be maintained.

 

[ComfortablyNumb]

It would have ****ed with Gene's money if he did not save him.

 

[Lynch]

Deep down, I think it's pretty plain to see Gene is good people. Sure he runs at the mouth from time to time. He's got an image he feels needs to be maintained.

I think this is exactly the case. I mean, the guy is a self professed, selfish asshole who looks out for #1. He's made enough side comments over the years and this has been written about him enough that I think he just embraces it more than anything. I mean, yeah, I'm sure he is self absorbed and obviously is very passionate about the "KISS product", but I'm sure deep down, he's just a regular guy like most people are.

Interesting story. I've never heard that one before. If Ace has a book coming out, I'll be sure to check it out.

 

[LG]

That is a good story. My biggest complaint with Gene is his reality show...I feel the same way about his as Ozzy's, no need to tarnish a legendary rock and roll figure by having that kind of shitty show associated with you.

I've said it before I enjoy KISS more now than when they were at their zenith, and have never had anything but respect for Gene's business acumen.

 

[rollingstoned]

Nice story, props to Gene.

 

[Hardnecker]

Jim Florentine asked Ace if Gene billed him for it. I thought that was funny.

 

[aeroplane]

Hmmm, I thought this thread might touch on all the numerous claims Gene has made over the years regarding writing songs for Kiss albums all by himself but putting Ace Frehley's name on the credits as chief songwriter when the album was finished to make sure he is covered in the way of royalties.

I have a magazine in a drawer about ten feet away from me in which Gene talks about Psycho Circus and how Ace was concerned about getting enough songs onto the album to make some decent royalties.

Gene said that Ace had shown up with a bunch of songs that he had thought about using for a solo record and tried to turn them in for Psycho Circus. Gene said that he and Paul told Ace the songs sucked and they weren't going to use them, but when Ace spoke up about it, Gene told him not to worry and that he (Gene) would make sure Ace was taken care of.

When asked in the interview how the issue was resolved, Gene told the interviewer, "Well I just sat down and wrote a few original songs for the Psycho Circus album myself and gave Ace full credit for them. Just like I've been doing for him since the very beginning."

While Gene is a bullshit artist, I have started to believe it a little since he makes the same claim about Ace time and time again but has never once (that I've seen) profess to have written a bunch of songs for Peter and let Peter take credit for them.