Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy Reflects on Ace Frehley’s Legacy and KISS’s Enduring Impact
The recent passing of Ace Frehley, founding guitarist of KISS, has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from musicians and fans alike. Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy is among those deeply affected, recalling a lifelong connection to the band and its iconic guitarist. Portnoy described the loss as “a big one,” revealing a childhood steeped in KISS fandom.
Portnoy’s early exposure to KISS was transformative. He recounted attending shows at Madison Square Garden in 1977 and the Nassau Coliseum in 1979, experiences that cemented Frehley as his “first real guitar hero.” “Even though I was a drummer, he was my favorite member of KISS,” Portnoy shared, adding that his elementary school nickname was even “Ace.” The emotional resonance of Frehley’s passing is clear, as Portnoy has been revisiting old KISS recordings and concert footage on YouTube to process his grief.
The connection wasn’t solely fan-based. Portnoy had the opportunity to perform alongside both Frehley and original KISS drummer Peter Criss in 2013, serving as musical director for a 30th-anniversary concert hosted by SiriusXM radio personality Eddie Trunk. “I have a lot of history as both a fan and a fellow musician with Ace,” he said, underscoring the depth of his relationship with the late guitarist.
Portnoy’s musical awakening can be directly traced back to a KISS concert. He recalled being just 10 years old when he witnessed the band on the ‘Alive II’ tour at Madison Square Garden. The sheer spectacle – the illuminated logo, the atmosphere, and the opening chords of “You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world — KISS” – ignited a passion that would define his life. “From that point on, I knew that’s what I had to do,” he stated.
Interestingly, Portnoy noted a striking similarity between the impact of KISS and The Beatles. He pointed out that the cover art of KISS’s debut album was, in essence, an updated version of The Beatles’ ‘Meet The Beatles’ cover, appealing to a new generation. He further elaborated on the parallels between the two bands, observing that both featured four distinct personalities who all contributed to songwriting and performance.
“Paul Stanley is the Paul McCartney character. Gene Simmons was the John Lennon character. Ace Frehley was the George Harrison character,” Portnoy explained, highlighting the archetypal roles each member played within their respective bands. He emphasized that both groups represented a shift from solo artists like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry to a dynamic of four individual stars.
Portnoy’s lifelong adoration of KISS extends to his personal collection. Five years ago, while showcasing his vinyl records on his YouTube channel, he described himself as a “KISS freak and a KISS fanatic.” He reminisced about growing up with the band’s albums throughout the 1970s, acquiring all the original pressings and later re-purchasing the early catalog. He particularly lauded the band’s output between 1975 and 1978 as a period of immense influence.
Delving into specific albums, Portnoy praised the raw energy of the self-titled 1974 debut, despite its production flaws, and highlighted tracks like “Struts” and “Deuce.” He acknowledged the challenging mix of 1974’s ‘Hotter Than Hell’ but still found merit in songs like “All The Way.” He declared 1975’s ‘Dressed To Kill’ his favorite of the early albums, praising its deep cuts such as “Room Service” and “Getaway.”
The 1975 live album ‘Alive!’ holds a special place in Portnoy’s heart, even admitting it may not have been entirely live. He proudly displayed a signed copy hanging on his wall. 1976’s ‘Destroyer,’ produced by Bob Ezrin (who later worked with Pink Floyd on ‘The Wall’), was hailed as a masterpiece, featuring iconic tracks like “Detroit Rock City” and “Beth.”
Portnoy continued his album-by-album analysis, expressing a particular fondness for 1976’s ‘Rock And Roll Over,’ praising its sound and deep cuts like “Take Me.” He fondly remembered seeing KISS perform on the ‘Love Gun’ tour in December 1977, again at Madison Square Garden, an experience he likened to a “Beatles ‘Ed Sullivan’ moment.” He even recounted sneaking in a tape recorder to capture the show, a bootleg recording he still possesses today.
Even KISS’s more divisive work holds a special place for Portnoy. He defended 1981’s ‘Music from ‘The Elder’’, calling it an “underrated album” and praising tracks like “Odyssey” and “A World Without Heroes.” He acknowledged that his musical tastes had evolved by the time ‘The Elder’ was released, leaning towards bands like Motörhead and AC/DC, but appreciated the album’s ambition and artistry.
Portnoy’s enduring passion for KISS is a testament to the band’s lasting impact on rock music and the power of formative experiences. His story is a reminder that for many, KISS wasn’t just a band—it was a cultural phenomenon that ignited a lifelong love of music.
