In a move that has sent ripples through the rock community, legendary guitarist Ace Frehley, the original “Spaceman” from KISS, has announced the cancellation of all his remaining 2025 tour dates due to ongoing medical issues. The 74-year-old musician, known for his electrifying stage presence and iconic riffs, shared the news via social media on October 6, leaving fans worldwide sending messages of support and well wishes.
Frehley’s decision comes just two weeks after a concerning incident that first raised alarms about his health. On September 26, the guitarist was forced to pull out of a scheduled performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California, alongside Quiet Riot and Vixen. The cancellation stemmed from a “minor fall in his studio” that resulted in a hospital visit. Although Frehley was reported to be “fine” at the time, his doctors advised against any travel until full recovery, prioritizing his well-being over the show. This setback appears to have escalated, prompting the broader tour suspension.
In an official statement posted to his social media accounts, Frehley’s management conveyed the gravity of the situation: “Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates.” The announcement was succinct, offering no further specifics on his condition, but it underscored the rocker’s commitment to his health at this stage in his storied career. Fans holding tickets for the affected shows—including dates in October at venues like Lincoln Square Theater in Illinois, The Family Arena in Missouri, Brown County Music Center in Indiana, and The Token Lounge in Michigan—can expect full refunds at their point of purchase.
This isn’t the first time Frehley’s resilience has been tested. Over his five-decade-plus tenure with KISS and his prolific solo career, the guitarist has overcome personal battles, including substance abuse, to deliver hits like “New York Groove” and “Rock Soldiers.” His most recent album, 10,000 Volts, released in February 2024, has fueled a year of steady touring, showcasing his undiminished talent and drawing crowds eager for a taste of classic rock swagger. The record, which Frehley himself hailed as rivaling his 1978 solo debut, featured collaborations with heavyweights like Lzzy Hale of Halestorm and Russell Jackson.
Despite the tour’s abrupt end, Frehley’s creative fire shows no signs of flickering. In a February 2025 interview on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation, he revealed he was deep into Origins Vol. 3, a third installment in his series of cover songs that pay homage to the tracks that shaped his sound. Additionally, Frehley joins his KISS bandmates—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss—as 2025 Kennedy Center Honorees, a prestigious nod announced by President Donald Trump. The ceremony, set for December alongside artists like George Strait and Gloria Gaynor, marks a triumphant milestone. Frehley described the honor as “a dream come true that I never thought would materialize.”
As the rock world rallies around one of its enduring icons, reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly supportive. One fan posted, “Best wishes to Ace Frehley who apparently had to cancel the rest of his tour due to health reasons,” capturing the sentiment of many who view him as a survivor and a legend. While the stage will miss his laser-light antics and blistering solos for now, Frehley’s legacy—forged in the pyrotechnic chaos of KISS’s heyday and refined through decades of solo reinvention—remains untarnished.
Get well soon, Ace. The Rock Soldiers are waiting for your return.
Mick Lite is a versatile entrepreneur, photographer, and blogger with a huge passion for Music, Sports, Movies, Food, and Gaming. He has worked as an official scorer, social media manager, and photographer for various college, semi pro, and pro sports teams, including the River City Rascals, St. Louis Attack, Missouri Monsters, St. Charles Chill, SLU Billikens, Gateway Steam, St. Louis Riversharks, and Gateway Grizzlies. Served 12 years in the USN/USAF/USN.
