Rock musician Ace Frehley, known as the original lead guitarist for Kiss, was recently hospitalized after experiencing a fall in his studio. This incident has led to the cancellation of his scheduled performance in Lancaster, California, which was set for Friday, September 26th.
A statement released on Frehley's social media accounts on Thursday confirmed the hospitalization. The statement explained that while the fall was minor, his doctor has advised against travel. This medical directive directly impacts his touring schedule.
Key Takeaways
- Ace Frehley was hospitalized after a studio fall.
- His doctor advised against travel, leading to a concert cancellation.
- The cancelled show was in Lancaster, California, on September 26th.
- Frehley is expected to resume touring and album work soon.
- Kiss, including Frehley, will receive Kennedy Center Honors in December.
Studio Accident Leads to Performance Cancellation
The incident occurred at Frehley's studio, though specific details about the fall were not disclosed. The immediate consequence was a trip to the hospital for evaluation. Medical professionals determined that the guitarist needed to rest and avoid travel.
According to the social media post, Frehley himself wished to perform. However, his doctor's orders were clear. The cancellation affects fans who planned to see him at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster. This show was part of his ongoing tour.
"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."
The statement also encouraged fans to attend the fair to support other bands, Quiet Riot and Vixen, who were also scheduled to perform. It conveyed Frehley's eagerness to return to his tour and continue working on his next album, which is believed to be "Origins Vol. 3."
Quick Facts
- Event: Ace Frehley's studio fall and hospitalization.
- Impact: Cancellation of September 26th concert in Lancaster, CA.
- Doctor's Orders: Advised against travel.
- Next Album: Expected to be "Origins Vol. 3."
Ongoing Tour and New Album Progress
Frehley has maintained a busy schedule throughout the current year. He has been actively touring to promote his latest solo album, 10,000 Volts. This album was released in February 2024. His official website indicates four additional tour dates scheduled for October and early November.
The musician's commitment to new music is also evident. The social media announcement mentioned his intention to finish work on his next album. While the post referred to "Origins Vol. 4," it is widely believed this was a typo and that the album in progress is actually "Origins Vol. 3." Frehley has previously released two "Origins" cover albums.
Background on Ace Frehley's Solo Career
Ace Frehley launched his solo career after his initial departure from Kiss. He has released several successful albums, including his self-titled 1978 solo debut, which was one of four solo albums released simultaneously by all original Kiss members. His recent album, 10,000 Volts, has been met with positive reviews from fans and critics.
Kennedy Center Honors for Original Kiss Members
In other significant news for the band, all four original members of Kiss have been named Kennedy Center Honorees. This prestigious recognition includes Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. The awards will be presented by President Donald Trump during a ceremony in December.
The ceremony will be broadcast on CBS and will also be available for streaming on Paramount+ at a later date. This honor places Kiss among a distinguished group of artists recognized for their lifetime contributions to American culture.
Other notable honorees for this year include country music legend George Strait, actor Sylvester Stallone, stage performer Michael Crawford, and singer Gloria Gaynor. Frehley expressed his profound gratitude for the award, describing it as "a dream come true that I never thought would materialize." This recognition highlights the lasting impact of Kiss on the music industry and popular culture.
Kiss Lineup Changes Through the Years
The history of Kiss is marked by several changes in its lineup since its formation in 1973. The original and most iconic lineup featured Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley. This configuration released some of the band's most successful albums, including Alive! in 1975, which significantly boosted their career.
Early Changes: Criss and Frehley Departures
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, internal conflicts and artistic differences began to affect the band. Peter Criss first departed in 1980, replaced by drummer Eric Carr. Frehley's exit followed in 1982, largely due to dissatisfaction with the band's musical direction, particularly after the album Music From 'The Elder'. Vinnie Vincent then took over as lead guitarist.
- 1973-1980: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley (Classic lineup).
- 1980-1982: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Eric Carr (Peter Criss replaced by Eric Carr).
- 1982-1984: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Carr, Vinnie Vincent (Ace Frehley replaced by Vinnie Vincent).
The Unmasking and Further Personnel Shifts
A significant moment in Kiss's history occurred in 1983 when the band removed their signature face paint. This decision was a strategic move to re-establish themselves as a "real band" without relying on their theatrical image. Paul Stanley reportedly convinced Gene Simmons of this change, despite initial reluctance.
Vinnie Vincent's tenure was brief and tumultuous. He was replaced by Mark St. John in 1984. However, St. John's time with Kiss was also short-lived due to health issues, specifically reactive arthritis. Bruce Kulick then joined as lead guitarist in December 1984, bringing stability to the lineup for the remainder of the decade.
- 1983: Kiss performs without makeup for the first time.
- 1984: Mark St. John briefly joins, then Bruce Kulick becomes guitarist.
- 1984-1991: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Carr, Bruce Kulick (Stable lineup for several albums).
Tragedy and Reunions
The early 1990s brought tragedy when drummer Eric Carr passed away in 1991 at the age of 41 after battling a heart tumor. Eric Singer stepped in as the new drummer, and the band released the album Revenge in 1992. This period also saw a growing appreciation for the band, culminating in an MTV Unplugged appearance in 1995 that featured guest appearances by Peter Criss and Ace Frehley.
This led to a highly anticipated reunion of the original lineup from 1996 to 2001. The reunion tour was a massive commercial success, though underlying tensions persisted. Peter Criss departed again in 2001 over a contract dispute, with Eric Singer assuming the "Cat Man" makeup. Ace Frehley followed in 2002, and Tommy Thayer took on his "Spaceman" persona.
The lineup continued to shift, with Peter Criss briefly returning in 2003 for a tour and a live album, Kiss Symphony: Alive IV, before leaving again in 2004. Since then, the lineup of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer has remained consistent, releasing albums like Sonic Boom (2009) and Monster (2012). The band has also embarked on multiple farewell tours, indicating their continued presence in the music scene despite lineup changes.