The cause of Prince’s death has yet to be established, but Gene Simmons has claimed his passing was less tragic than another iconic singer because he “killed himself” with drugs.
In comments likely to provoke outrage among Prince's fans, the outspoken Kiss frontman, 66, insisted David Bowie’s death from cancer was a “real sickness” while Prince was “pathetic” for bringing his own life to a close.
Carver County investigators are waiting for the results of an autopsy and toxicology report amid claims from unnamed US officials the pioneering musician was found with prescription painkillers in his Minnesota home and on his person.
They have stressed that no information will be released ahead of the final report detailing the cause of his death.
“Bowie was the most tragic of all because it was real sickness,” Simmons, who said he has never taken drank alcohol or drugs, told Newsweek. “All the other ones were a choice.” Even Prince? “His drugs killed him. What do you think, he died from a cold?
“I think Prince was heads, hands and feet above all the rest of them. I thought he left [Michael] Jackson in the dust. Prince was way beyond that. But how pathetic that he killed himself. Don’t kid yourself, that’s what he did. Slowly, I’ll grant you... but that’s what drugs and alcohol is: a slow death.”
Prince’s lawyer has dismissed reports the singer was struggling with drug addiction as “foolish”.
