Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist and founding member of KISS passed away at the age of 74, in Morristown, New Jersey, surrounded by his family, following a recent fall and health complications. Mitch Lafon recently called out a news outlet, who wrongly labeled Frehley as the band’s drummer.
Mitch Lafon reacts to Ace Frehley’s passing
Sharing the article on X, Lafon wrote: “Glad to see that media standards in France are beyond reproach.
Headline reads: “KISS drummer dies at 74”
Good grief…
And then they want us to trust them about what they say about war or medical conditions.” ABC also confused Frehley with Tommy Thayer.
Glad to see that media standards in France are beyond reproach.
Headline reads: “KISS drummer dies at 74”
Good grief…
And then they want us to trust them about what they say about war or medical conditions. pic.twitter.com/DvUhxjps9d
— Mitch Lafon (@mitchlafon) October 18, 2025
Tributes have poured in from rock legends reflecting on his influence in music. Mike Portnoy also shared an emotional tribute. He expressed his deep admiration for the legendary musician in a statement posted on Instagram.
He reflected on Frehley’s influence on his life and career. Portnoy further described him as one of his biggest guitar heroes.
“Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of one of my biggest guitar heroes,” Portnoy said.
“Ace Frehley was always the King of Cool…he played with such swagger…and you can literally sing every one of his solos from the first 6 KISS albums they were so melodic.”
Portnoy shared a personal memory from his childhood that highlighted the depth of his admiration for the guitarist.
“When I was in elementary school in the 70’s, I loved him so much that even though I was a drummer, my nickname at school was Ace (even a few of my school teachers called me that!),” he continued.
“One of the most cherished memories of my career I’ll ever have was getting to play with him at Eddie Trunk’s 30th Anniversary Bash back in 2013 (along with Peter Criss as well).”
The drummer concluded his tribute with condolences to those close to Frehley.
“My condolences go out to his family, friends and bandmates,” he said. “He was surely one of kind and will always be one of my biggest guitar heroes!”
