Former Kiss guitarist commits to a dry tour

Last Updated: Monday, March 3, 2008 | 12:36 PM ET

CBC News

Former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley plans to stay sober on his current tour, which includes Canadian dates beginning Monday.

Ace Frehley rocks the Hard Rock Cafe on Oct. 31, 2007, in New York's Times Square.
(Diane Bondareff/Associated Press)

The recovering alcoholic and drug user said he has forbidden booze or drugs among all band and crew members on the tour.

"This time around, I'm real serious about my sobriety," Frehley said in a recent phone interview with the Canadian Press from Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Frehley's battles with addiction reportedly led to his split in 1983 with Kiss bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who committed to a drug-free lifestyle while Frehley indulged excessively.

The original lead guitarist of the legendary '70s hard rock band, the former "Space Ace" says he's been sober for 17 months and that he's surrounded himself with sober people.

"I'm probably happier now than I have been in a long time. I should have done this a lot sooner," he said.

But, he said, "the road can drive you crazy."

Two years ago, Frehley fell off the wagon at a show with Tommy Lee and it took an entire summer to get back on track.

Frehley says he's excited by the prospect of a career comeback. He's planning to release a new solo album in April.

Frehley kicks off a string of Canadian dates Monday in Montreal, followed by stops in Quebec City and Toronto. Later dates include shows in Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.