WYWA: Remembering Ace Frehley And D’Angelo, The Cure’s Next Album, And More
I’m not going to lie. I’m not a big KISS fan, but from a very young age I knew of the band. I knew their names, their look, and even some of their songs. So, I was shocked to hear of Ace Frehley’s death. It felt like losing someone who you’re not very close with, but was still a part of your life. Much like Ozzy Osbourne, KISS felt immortal. They were never going to die, they’re not even human. They were from space or another planet. And as long as the music is around, I guess they will never die. In this week’s edition of While You Were Away, we’re not only remembering Ace Frehley, but also D’Angelo. We’re also talking about tours on sale, a possible new Cure album, and more.
D’Angelo, neo-soul singer, dies at 51
D’Angelo, the neo-soul singer, has died at 51 following a private battle with pancreatic cancer.
TMZ broke the news on Tuesday (October 14) morning. The singer’s family later confirmed the news in a statement to Variety:
“The shining star of our family has dimmed his light for us in this life,” it reads. “After a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer, we are heartbroken to announce that Michael D’Angelo Archer, known to his fans around the world as D’Angelo, has been called home, departing this life today, October 14th, 2025.”
The statement continues, “We are saddened that he can only leave dear memories with his family, but we are eternally grateful for the legacy of extraordinarily moving music he leaves behind. We ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time but invite you all join us in mourning his passing while also celebrating the gift of song that he has left for the world.”
Our thoughts go out to D’Angelo’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Fall Out Boy unveil cover of ‘It Feels Like Christmas’
Here’s another one for rock bands celebrating the holiday season (too) early. Fall Out Boy have shared their cover of “It Feels Like Christmas” from 1992’s The Muppet Christmas Carol. The song is the latest entry in the Spotify Singles Holiday series.
“Muppets Christmas Carol is possibly the greatest adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic story,” the band writes on social media, alongside footage of them putting it together in the studio. “We always loved the music and we had a blast getting to put our stamp on a version of it.”
If you want to ring in holiday cheer a bit early, stream the song below.
KISS guitarist and co-founding member Ace Frehley dies
Ace Frehley, founding member and guitarist of the legendary rock band KISS, has died. He was 74 years old. Frehley’s family confirmed the new in a statement given to Rolling Stone saying:
“In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth,” reads the statement. “We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”
KISS shared their own statement saying: “We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” write KISS in a social media tribute. “He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Our thoughts go out to Frehley’s family and friends during this difficult time.
The Cure quietly tease new record and concert film
It seems the next Cure album is on its way. The Cure have quietly updated their website, confirming that the band has recorded “13 more songs” for a new album.
Eagle-eyed fans spotted the announcement in the recently updated bio section of their website. The bio says in part, “March 2025 the band went back into Rockfield Studios to record 13 more songs for a follow-up album.”
The bio also hints at an upcoming concert film: “In June Robert guested with Olivia Rodrigo on a couple of Cure songs during her Glastonbury headline show, before heading back into the studio to help re-edit and re-mix The Show Of A Lost World film…”
Hopefully, the next album and concert film won’t take another 16 years to release.
Tours on sale this week
Dropkick Murphys will embark on a 2026 US tour leading up to their St. Patrick’s Day residency in Boston. The tour starts in Portland, Maine, on February 9th and concludes in Springfield, Massachusetts, on March 11th. Tickets are on sale now.
TURNSTILE have announced a headline tour of Australia and New Zealand with Basement. The tour kicks off on December 29th in Gisborne and wraps up on January 11th in Perth. See all the dates here.
The Format will support their upcoming album, Boycott Heaven, with a spring 2026 tour. The 14-city tour starts March 26th in Boston, Massachusetts, and wraps up with a show in San Diego, California, on April 19th. An artist pre-sale starts Wednesday, October 22nd at 12 PM local time. General sale starts Friday, October 24th at 12 PM local time. See all the dates here.
Korn will return to Latin America with Spiritbox and Seven Hours After Violet next year. The trek starts May 2nd in Bogota and runs through May 19th with a show in Mexico City. Tickets are available now.
