Ace Frehley left KISS primarily due to creative differences, his dissatisfaction with wearing the makeup, and personal issues related to substance abuse and the band's evolving musical direction. According to multiple sources, including Frehley's own interviews and reports, he felt a need to pursue his solo career, which he believed allowed for greater creative freedom. He mentioned during an appearance on the Talk Is Jericho podcast that he was tired of the makeup, which sometimes caused allergic reactions, and that he felt more creative outside of KISS.
Frehley's departure in 1982 was also influenced by his personal struggles, including substance abuse issues, and conflicts within the band over their increasing fame and the associated lifestyle. He has publicly stated that he was never actually fired but chose to leave, emphasizing that he quit both times he departed from the band.
He rejoined KISS in 1996 for a reunion tour but eventually left again in 2002, citing similar reasons of personal desire to pursue his own projects and disagreements within the band. His death in 2025 was due to injuries sustained after a fall in his studio, not directly related to his departure from the band but a tragic end to a legendary career.
In summary, Frehley's exits from KISS were driven by a combination of creative needs, health concerns related to stage makeup, personal issues, and disagreements over musical direction, all of which he publicly discussed over the years.
