Rock guitarist Ace Frehley has postponed a tour date following a minor accident in his recording studio. The founding member of Kiss was ordered by doctors to rest, leading to the cancellation of his performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California. Frehley, 74, is expected to resume his tour in October.
Key Takeaways
- Ace Frehley canceled a tour date due to a minor fall in his studio.
- Doctors advised against travel, leading to the postponement.
- The canceled show was set for Friday at the Antelope Valley Fair.
- Frehley is scheduled to resume his 10,000 Volts Tour on October 10.
- He is also working on a new album, Origins, Vol. 3.
Studio Mishap Leads to Doctor's Order
The news of Frehley's fall was shared with fans through a post on his official Facebook page. The message clarified that the incident was minor but necessitated medical attention. Despite Frehley's desire to continue performing, his doctor insisted on a temporary break from travel.
The post stated:
"Dear Rock Soldiers, Ace had a minor fall in his studio, resulting in a trip to the hospital. He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time."This medical advice directly led to the cancellation of his planned concert. Fans were encouraged to still attend the Antelope Valley Fair and support other bands performing, Quiet Riot and Vixen.
Tour and Album Plans
Ace Frehley is currently on his 10,000 Volts Tour, supporting his latest album. He is also actively working on a new recording project titled Origins, Vol. 3. This album will be the third installment in his series of cover albums, which pay tribute to songs that influenced him. The tour is a significant part of his ongoing career, showcasing his recent work and classic hits.
A History of Onstage Falls
While this recent fall occurred in a studio setting, Frehley has a documented history of tumbles, particularly during his time as the lead guitarist for Kiss. These incidents often happened during live performances, sometimes intentionally as part of the show, and at other times due to the challenging footwear he wore.
According to Guitar Player's online site, Frehley frequently wore high-heeled boots onstage with Kiss. These boots, while contributing to the band's iconic image, often caused him to trip or fall. His bandmates, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, would sometimes incorporate these unplanned falls into the performance, making them appear choreographed.
High Heels and Stage Falls
During Kiss concerts, Ace Frehley's elaborate stage costume included high-heeled boots. These boots, while visually striking, were a frequent cause of accidental falls. Bandmates would often adjust their performance to make these tumbles seem like intentional parts of the show, maintaining the illusion for the audience.
Impact on Health
Frehley himself has spoken about the physical toll these falls took. In an interview with Music Radar, he explained the dynamics of these stage mishaps.
"I used to fall a lot in those boots," Frehley told Music Radar. "A lot of times, Paul would cover for me by walking over to me like it was part of the show. He made it look like was choreography or something."
These repeated falls, especially while holding his heavy Les Paul guitar, led to significant knee damage. He often dropped to his knees during the band's performance of "Black Diamond," a move that proved detrimental over time.
"I screwed my knees up by doing that," Frehley is quoted as saying. "I would drop to my knees and the weight of that Les Paul really killed them."
Ace Frehley's Legacy with Kiss
Ace Frehley was a pivotal figure in the formation and early success of Kiss. He served as the band's lead guitarist from 1973 to 1982, a period often regarded as their heyday. He later rejoined the group for their highly anticipated reunion tour in 1996, remaining with them until 2002.
His stage persona, "The Spaceman," was instantly recognizable. Frehley was known for his laid-back demeanor, electrifying guitar solos, and innovative stage effects. His signature smoking and light-up guitar became iconic elements of Kiss's live shows, contributing to their theatrical appeal. His unique blend of slurred speech and quirky humor further cemented his "space cadet" charm, making him a fan favorite.
Solo Success
In 1978, all four members of Kiss released solo albums. Ace Frehley's album was the most successful and critically acclaimed among them. It featured the hit song "New York Groove," which became a significant track in his career.
Kiss's Enduring Recognition
Kiss, as a band, has received numerous accolades for their contributions to music. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, a testament to their lasting impact on the rock genre. More recently, the band is set to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Kennedy Center Honors in December.
This prestigious award will be presented by President Donald Trump, who serves as the chairman of the Kennedy Center. The ceremony is scheduled for December 7 in Washington, D.C., and will be broadcast on CBS at 7:30 p.m. on December 22. This recognition further solidifies Kiss's place in music history and highlights their continued cultural significance.
Looking Ahead for Frehley
Despite the recent studio incident, Ace Frehley remains committed to his music and touring schedule. His team has confirmed that he looks forward to resuming his tour on October 10 in Decatur, Illinois. Fans anticipate his return to the stage and the release of his upcoming album, Origins, Vol. 3. The brief pause is a precautionary measure, ensuring his well-being as he continues his prolific career in rock music.
- October 10: Resumption of 10,000 Volts Tour in Decatur, Illinois.
- Upcoming Album: Continued work on Origins, Vol. 3.
- Fan Support: Encouragement for fans to support other bands at the canceled fair.