An Interview With Matt Starr, Formerly Of The Ace Frehley Band & Mr. Big

Photo courtesy of Matt Starr

An Interview with Matt Starr, formerly of The Ace Frehley Band & Mr. Big
By Andrew Daly

As one of the hardest-hitting—and hardest-working—drummers in the rock and metal business, Matt Starr has played with Ace Frehley, Mr. Big, Kix, Black Swan, and more.

Be that as it may, come the summer of 2026, Starr will be fronting iconic new wave group, The Knack. “I’m going to be singing for The Knack, which I’m very excited about,” Starr tells ClassicRockHistory.com.

He explains, “I’ve known Prescott Niles and his family for about 15 years; we met through producer Mike Chapman. We’re playing Los Angeles in May and Vegas in June. It feels great to be up front again singing. I can’t wait to sing all those great songs and honor the band’s legacy.”

Elsewhere, Starr has new music out with Black Swan. “Our third record, Paralyzed, came out on February 27^th,” he says. “I think it’s our best one. Playing with Reb Beach, Jeff Pilson, and Robin McAuley is definitely an all-star band. Everyone is so talented, and we have a great time working together.”

Beyond that, Starr will be participating in Ace Frehley tribute shows with his former Ace Frehley Band bandmates later in 2026. As for the Spaceman’s legacy, Starr says, “It’s a huge loss. He’s a stone-cold legend.”

“He influenced more people than you can imagine,” Starr says. “It was great being in a band with him; he was a guitarist. He never reminded you that he was Ace Frehley; he just wanted to get a good sound and have a great show. He was a sweet man.”

What are your earliest memories of music in your life, and what got you started on drums?

In 1978, I discovered Kiss, and Kiss’ Alive II was the first record I bought with my own money. I saw them in 1979 on the Dynasty tour. I was nine years old, and Judas Priest opened up. I wanted a guitar for Christmas, but they didn’t get me one, so I decided to try the drums. I never looked back.

What was the scene like around you, and how did that impact you as a player?

There was a bar scene for original bands at that time. I got a gig at 18 years old with a band called RUN21; they were a big regional band. I replaced Holland, who went on to play with W.A.S.P. and Metal Church.

And the guitarist Doug Blair went to play with W.A.S.P. as well, and still does. In that scene, if you couldn’t really play, you didn’t get much respect, so it was a great training ground. I was playing with guys at least 10 years older than me.

What did being with RUN21 teach you?

From the beginning, RUN21 put on a show. Growing up on Kiss, I was all about it. I learned about set pacing, tempos, the arc of the set, and how to put on a show.

When did you know you wanted to be a professional musician, and what was your climb like?

I knew it eight years old that I didn’t wanna do anything else but be immersed in music. So, that turned into a career. I played bars and cover bands until my mid-30s before I started getting real gigs with Kevin DuBrow, Love/Hate, Beautiful Creatures, Ace Frehley, etc.

How did you get the gig with Ace Frehley?

A mutual friend told me their drummer had quit, so I called everyone I knew in Los Angeles, and Brent Woods said he knew Anthony Esposito, who was playing bass at the time; he connected us. I flew to New York to audition. Two weeks later, I got the call.

Why do you think Ace liked your drumming?

I grew up playing to Ace’s solo record [1978’s Ace Frehley] as well as all the Kiss stuff, so I understood their music on an instinctual level. I think that was something that made him comfortable with me.

What was the trick to covering drum licks and fills by Peter Criss and Anton Fig, two very unique players?

I tried my best to capture their original spirit and play the essential parts. I never really worry about putting my own stamp on something because I just play the way I play.

Which Kiss/Ace songs proved to be toughest to cover, and how did you end up putting your spin on things?

“Rip It Out” was the first song I played with them in New York. Anton Fig was standing on the side of the stage; those massive drum breaks before the guitar solo were the gauntlet. “Hard Times” is kind of a tricky one, too. I had to count the first few gigs.

What led to your working with Mr. Big in place of Pat Torpey?

Billy Sheehan saw me sit in at a jam where I played TNT. I played drums and sang. Afterwards, he asked me, “Why don’t I know you?” He took my number a year later and called me about playing with Mr. Big.

Pat was another tough player to fill in for. What was that like?

Pat’s drumming was perfection. Very sophisticated yet always musical, and it felt great. His parts were very well written, not always easy to play, but easy to remember. I loved working with the band and Pat.

You recorded one album with Mr. Big, 2017’s Defying Gravity, and did a lot of touring. Why didn’t you participate in their final album and tour in 2024 and 2025?

My time with them was 2014–2018. Everything we did other than the last year was with Pat right by my side. I was the perfect guy for that era of the band, and I’m grateful for that opportunity.

What led you to step away from Ace’s band toward the end, and how did you leave things?

If a guy ever subbed out a gig they would get fired. When I got the call from Kix, I knew there was a chance that if there was a date conflict, I might lose my gig with Ace. I was willing to take that chance because I really wanted to play with Kix; I was always a fan. So, when Ace called me, it was not a surprise. We left things on good terms.

You and your Ace Frehley bandmates have some tribute shows planned. Tell us about that.

As of now, I’m doing a couple of shows with them in New York to celebrate Ace. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys and playing those songs. We’re doing the entire 1978 solo record; it’s going to be a blast.

What’s the latest on your session work, and the gear you’re using?

I’m always in the studio recording for artists around the world. Some of them you would know, others are on their way up. I love being in the studio. I have a couple of different Ludwig kits I use, some vintage, some newer. The Ludwig/Paiste combination is perfect for rock ‘n’ roll.

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An Interview With Matt Starr, Formerly Of The Ace Frehley Band & Mr. Big article published on ClassicRockHistory.com© 2026

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