Founding KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has pulled out of two concerts this weekend due to an unspecified illness.
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Frehley has canceled a headlining performance at the 2025 Brat Fest in Madison, Wisconsin, on Friday, May 23, and has postponed a show at the Arcada Theatre in the Chicago suburb of St. Charles, Illinois, the next day.
The 74-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has been replaced on the Brad Fest bill by Winger. Frehley’s concert at the Arcada Theatre will be rescheduled for a later date. The venue will honor tickets purchased for the May 24 gig at the rescheduled event. A KISS tribute act, Phat Kiss, will play a free show at the Arcada Theatre on the 24th, along with the hard-rock cover band Shock the System.
Frehley posted a statement about the canceled performances on his social media pages.
“Hello Everyone,” he began. “I wanted to let you all know that I will sadly be unable to perform this weekend on Friday May 23 at Brat Fest in Madison, Wisconsin, or Saturday May 24 at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, Illinois.”
He continued, “Although not serious, I am ill and don’t feel that I am capable of the rigorous travel or performing up to my usual standards this weekend. I extend my deepest regrets and most sincere apologies for having to cancel. I thank you all for your understanding in the matter. All love to my fans, ACE.”
The message also explained that Frehley’s team was available to answer any fan questions.
Frehley’s Other 2025 Tour Plans
Frehley’s current tour is in support of his 2024 solo studio album, 10,000 Volts. So far, he’s played nearly 20 concerts this year, all in the U.S.
Ace has 15 confirmed upcoming shows, spanning from a June 4 concert in Virginia Beach, Virginia, through an October 11 performance in St. Charles, Missouri.
More About Brat Fest
Brat Fest is a festival that’s been held annually during Memorial Day weekend in Madison since 1983. The event raises funds for local charities while offering food, music, and much more. This year’s Brat Fest takes place on May 23, 24, and 25. The 2025 musical lineup includes the aforementioned Winger; ex-Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler; one-time American Idol finalist Danny Gokey; country artists Tyler Farr, Harper Grace, Mackenzie Carpenter; and hip-hop group Digital Underground.
Ace Frehley’s Upcoming 2025 Tour Dates:
June 4 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Sandler Center
June 6 – Philadelphia, PA @ Rivers Casino
June 11 – Karlstad, MN @ Kick’n Up Country Music Festival
June 14 – Oroville, CA @ Feather Falls Casino
June 15 – West Hollywood, CA @ Whisky a Go Go
June 28 – Kansas City, MO @ Ameristar Casino & Hotel
July 4 – New Buffalo, MI @ Four Winds Casino
July 12 – Louisville, KY @ Iroquis Amphitheater
July 18 – Warrendale, PA @ Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
July 19 – Clearfield, PA @ Clearfield Country Fair
July 26 – Monroe, CT @ Jam the Dam
August 8 – Warm Springs, OR @ Indian Head Casino
August 15 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Casino
September 26 – Lancaster, CA @ Antelope Valley Fair
October 11 – St. Charles, MO @ The Family Arena
(Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images)
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