Peter Criss blows last chance of remaining in Kiss

Everyone knows about the troubles former Kiss drummer Peter Criss had. A lot of people also know he had quit, after dealing with tensions arising from bassist Gene Simmons and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley.

May 18, 1980. An official memo from Kiss stating Peter Criss was no longer the drummer. Not surprisingly, a lot of fans who had supported them since 1973 were shocked, but it came as relief to Simmons and Stanley and even Criss himself

Things has been reaching near critical mass for a while. Criss had been partaking in drugs and alcohol, making him nearly useless because of his addictions. He couldn't be counted on to do his job properly. 1979 was his last show. He himself even admits he sabotaged it. The band had been working on their 1980 album Unmasked and had asked drummer Anton Fig to step in and record Criss' parts. It was a split decision; guitarist Ace Frehley wanted him to stay while bassist Gene Simmons and rhythm guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley wanted him out. Manager Bill Aucoin arranged an audition session at SIR Studios in New York

According to Paul Stanley's memoir Face the Music: A Life Exposed, Stanley said "The day of the audition or rehearsal or whatever you wanted to call it, Peter walked in carrying a music stand and sheet music. The first thing he said was "I'll have to have all your songs on sheet music because I read music now." I whispered to Gene "Are we on Candid Camera?" Peter sat down, put his sheet music on the stand, and studied it for a while. Mind you, this rehearsal was of old material, not the new stuff we had written and recorded for Unmasked. We wanted to see whether he could even play the songs he already knew."

According to Gene Simmons' memoir Kiss and Make-Up, Simmons recalled "Criss looked very serious and intense. Peter couldn't read or write sheet music, not then, not now. None of us could. But by that time he was so delusional that he thought if he had a music stand, he could convince us he'd changed. I'm surprised he didn't bring a baton. The situation didn't improve once the playing started. He was worse than ever. So we had a meeting afterward, and we said "Peter is unhealthy. He's going to kill himself. He's got to leave the band and get some help."

Criss himself had even admitted that his addictions left him in a bad place. According to his memoir Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss, Criss admitted "With each sip and each snort, I felt my world collapsing around me. Then I just started crying again." Ace still wanted him to stay. "Ace, I don't want to play with the band no more. I'm going to get my own band. You should do the same, you're miserable."

The former drummer admitted he had sabotaged the audition to ensure he didn't have to rejoin. "I really wanted to get back at them for all the times they'd put me and my music down. I was going to play this out to the max. Instead of the fun-loving, clothes-shedding Catman, they were going to see a new, improved Peter Criss. I had never been so serious in my whole life, and it really freaked them out. I was extremely locked into myself from the blow. They didn't know what to make of me."

His last official duty with Kiss was to film a video for the single "Shandi". When Criss left, the band tried to protect him using the old cliches. Simmons said "To the press we used the traditional rock band excuses: creative differences, desire to begin a solo career, and so on. We never said Peter was thrown out of the band for being a drug addict. We wouldn't have done that to him, the fans or ourselves."

As a final note, Criss said  he was delighted to leave while retaining a quarter interest in the band's finances. "It was a great deal for me, and I imagine it must have driven Gene and Paul crazy to have to share that money with me. I think they were really sincere about giving me another chance. If I would have played well, I'm sure they would have said "Let's go for it again." Maybe they thought by firing me, they were scaring me straight. I don't know. But I did know that I hated them even more after they fired me."

Kiss Albums-Worst to Best

As much as I like Kiss, sometimes it does get irritating reading Gene Simmons spouting off about something he believes in that no one agrees with. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, here are the Kiss Albums-Worst to Best.

BTW, when it says "My opinion", that's just how I feel about it. Everyone might feel differently about it. Don't take my opinions to heart; I'm not cruel or harsh about my opinions here. It's just how I feel about them. Everyone might feel differently. So it's up to you to see how you feel about some of these albums. You might like them, who knows :)

24

Peter Criss (1978)

-This is from the time when the band's manager thought it would be a good idea to release four solo albums simultaneously. Each one reflecting the taste in music of that person. Instead of the raw edge of hard rock, the man behind "Beth", "Hard Luck Woman" "Black Diamond" is now crooning to R&B ballads, big band-type music. Overall, it is not one of the better albums, even though it has a small handful of people who like it

-My opinion: I simply didn't care for it. I'm not saying it's bad or good. I simply did not care for the type of music on this album

23

Crazy Nights (1987)

-This album was considered garbage by most if not all Kiss fans. This band has been accused of changing with the times and here is no different. They adopted a pop-metal sound in addition to adding keyboards and synthesizers

-My opinion: I have this album. I think it's pretty good. I like a few of the tracks on here. It does seem, however, that the band were trying to keep the pace with other up-and-coming metal and rock acts of the time. "Reason to Live" is a definitely good track to get women into Kiss, other than "Beth".

22

Hot in the Shade (1989)

-This was considered to be a failure. The only highlight of the album was "Forever" and the other strong song was "Rise to It".

-My opinion: "Forever" is my favorite track here. It's beautiful and it's said to be one of the more popular songs for weddings. Other than that track, I can't say I'm too enthused about it. But, that's just me. Everyone has different opinions.

21

Music from "The Elder" (1981)

-With the band fractured after the departure of drummer Peter Criss, the band wanted to get back to their basic hard rock sound. That did not go according to plan. They somehow got talked into doing a concept album set in the Medieval Period.

-My opinion: Nope. I didn't bother listening to it. Too weird

20

Carnival of Souls (1997)

-With grunge overtaking the market by storm, seemingly overnight, all anyone wanted to hear were doomy, gloomy, grunge songs that sounds like the perfect soundtrack for a suicide. All bands were expected to change their sound just to fit in. It seems that Kiss had done that exact thing. They took on a doomy, grunge-y almost Black Sabbath sound

-My opinion: The only ones who can do the gloom and doom metal are Black Sabbath. I simply didn't care for this album

19

Animalize (1984)

-Paul Stanley was left mostly in charge of the production of this album because bassist Gene Simmons was busy trying to get face and name on the silver screen. Other than "Heaven's on Fire", this album is not that great

-My opinion: I do love the track "Heaven's on Fire". I know my sister sure seems to be a fan of the video, showing Paul Stanley close to naked except for a towel around his hips, lol.

18

Dynasty (1979)

-With the interesting journey of doing solo records, everyone had a taste of creative freedom. This album seems to have shunned a lot of Kiss fans with the disco track "I Was Made for Loving You". This is considered to be, among die hard Kiss fans, as the scariest song they made. Suffice to say, not much production was being made here

-My opinion: "I Was Made for Loving You" is a good song, no matter what people say. That is the only track I like here. And I literally went through each album, listening to song after song, just to see if I could find any more Kiss studio albums. Sadly, "I Was Made for Loving You" was my only highlight here

17

Psycho Circus (1997)

-Almost 20 years is the time limit between the last original lineup Kiss album and this one. This album proved, once and for all, that Peter Criss and Ace Frehley were about as useful as used condoms in Kiss. They hardly contributed any songs at all. Most of that work was down to Gene and Paul.

-My opinion: The title track is a great headbanger. Other than that, I'm not too in to the other songs. It just sucks that Peter Criss' ego and Ace Frehley's ego went to their heads. Instead of acting like they were both Jimi Hendrix or gods of rock, they should have focused on writing music together instead of group fighting

16

Sonic Boom (2009)

-It was more than a decade before Kiss made any headway in terms of new music. By that point, they had officially sworn in former Badlands/Lita Ford/Black Sabbath drummer Eric Singer and former Black 'N' Blue guitarist Tommy Thayer as the new Catman and Spaceman. Paul Stanley took the reigns on production, making a few simple rules-all ballads are going to remain on the cutting room floor, they play together in the studio. Despite the fact these rules might seem harsh to some, everyone was fine with it and the album proved very successful

-My opinion: Even though it was good, I have to go back and listen to it again. I heard "Modern Day Delilah" and it was pretty good.

15

Monster (2012)

-This album proved to be a, no pun intended, monster of success. One of the tracks to be forewarned about if you let kids listen to this is the risqué, AC/DC-type track "Take Me Down Below", which has Gene and Paul talking about sex.

-My opinion: AWESOME! I love this album. Although, be forewarned-you might need to turn down the volume when listening to this. When I listen to it on my MP3, I have the volume one click above total silence and even then it seems loud. But, overall, the songs are great. "Hell or Hallelujah" is a total headbanger. "Last Chance" is amazing. Every song is amazing!!!

14

Gene Simmons (1978)

-During the time when their manager thought it was a bright idea for all four band members to release a solo album simultaneously, Gene's was a total wild card. It's interesting to say the least. The total "wild card" moment is a cover of the song "When You Wish Upon a Star"

-My opinion: I didn't care for it.

13

Asylum (1985)

-This album is underrated in every sense of the word.

-My opinion: I have this album. It's okay. I like one or two tracks. My all time favorite track is "Who Wants to Be Lonely?" It's a good track and if women like Paul Stanley getting his clothes ripped off and getting wet underwater while doing that, then the video for this song is the video for ladies! Also, there's another beautiful track geared towards getting ladies to their shows-"Tears Are Falling". This poppy ballad is something that women can enjoy, rather than the just about sex songs that Kiss are sadly known for.

12

Paul Stanley (1978)

-This is Paul Stanley's solo album. His album reflected more of the hard rock and progressive rock he prefers. "Tonight You Belong to Me" was one of his only ballads on here. This is proof he could make a Kiss album all by himself

-My opinion: I like it. It's rock, but there's soft rock songs like "When We're Apart and hard rockers like "Move On" which wouldn't sound out of place at a Led Zeppelin concert.

11

Unmasked (1980)

-This is the album when Paul Stanley thought it would be good for the band and the image of the band to take off the famous white kabuki makeup. To do an album showing their faces. This album is underrated in a lot of ways. Ace Frehley has a few songs here and there. Sure, it's not "Deuce" or "Strutter", but it's power-pop that was beginning to become popular.

-My opinion: I simply don't care for it.

10

Lick It Up (1983)

-One more of the "non makeup" albums, the title track is good. It has that 80s metal sound of heavy guitars, heavy drums. By this point, they had two new members-on guitar Vinnie Vincent and on drums Eric Carr. Despite the good songs, Vinnie didn't last. He thought of himself as being a guitar virtuoso like Eddie Van Halen and would often do 10+ guitar solo marathons on stage. It got so bad that Paul Stanley had gotten to the point of going on stage and cutting off the power to Vinnie's guitar. He said that he noticed a pattern with people who were friends with Vinnie-"They bragged about his talents, but they never had a lot of nice things to say".

-My opinion: I like it. It has that 80s metal sound. The title track is great, but I only like a few of the songs here

9

Revenge (1992)

-Paul Stanley found it hard to write music for this album. He does not agree with the grunge sound. He'll often say in interviews that Kiss is about loving life, celebrating life and more, not about being down in the dumps, bragging about how life is unfair, etc. But, overall, somehow this album ends up becoming a fan winner

-My opinion: I don't really care for it. I don't understand why Kiss would attempt a grunge or doom metal-sounding album.

8

Dressed to Kill (1975)

-This album gave Kiss their most famous mantra "Rock and Roll All Nite (And Party Every Day)". This album was released only a few years into their career

-My opinion: I like "Rock and Roll All Nite". Other than that, not too many good songs

7

Rock and Roll Over (1976)

-Their plan for this album was a stripped-down rock sound. This album produced some great songs like "Calling Dr. Love", "I Want You", "Makin' Love"

-My opinion: "Calling Dr. Love" is one of my favorite tracks here

6

Love Gun (1977)

-The songs, overall, are great!

-My opinion: I LOVE THIS ALBUM! The songs, all of them, are great! One track that makes me laugh is "I Stole Your Love". It's a good song, but the reason it makes me laugh is because if you've ever seen the movie Detroit Rock City, listen close to the song playing while the overly religious mother is trying to turn off the record player. The song playing is "I Stole Your Love".

-If you have not seen Detroit Rock City, let me explain. In the movie, there is a guy named Jam. He's a drummer. His mother is overly religious. She does not want her son listening to Kiss because she thinks that Kiss stands for "Knights in Satan's Service". When she goes into her den to listen to what she thinks is a Carpenters record, it is actually Kiss' Love Gun record that her son had hidden away. She puts in the "Carpenters Record" and suddenly the aggressive guitars kick in and "I Stole Your Love" starts blasting out of the speakers. She is desperately trying to stop this horrible music, to the point of nearly destroying the bookcase in which the record player is located. When she finally gets it to stop, the lid pops up and she is looking, with horror, at the Kiss Love Gun record on the record player.

5

Ace Frehley (1978)

-His was considered to be the strongest effort of the four. He centered around straight rock, like Jimi Hendrix and the like. His was said to be the best one of all

-My opinion: I don't really like Ace Frehley. He seems arrogant and plus, it's a bad idea to collect Nazi memorabilia when you're in a band with two Jewish guys, one of whom lost family members to Auschwitz during the Holocaust

4

Hotter than Hell (1974)

-It was said that production work just sucked. But there were some good songs that came through the muck and bad production work, like "Goin' Blind", "Strange Ways", "Got to Choose".

-My opinion: The title track is good.

3

Kiss (1974)

-This is their debut album. "Black Diamond", "Deuce" are two of the better songs, that get played live, even to this very day. In addition, "Cold Gin" gets airplay live even today. This is proof that Kiss knows how to rock

-My opinion: I like the track "Black Diamond", "Deuce"

2

Creatures of the Night (1982)

-This heavy metal freight train came crashing into markets, much to the chagrin of the crowd. Many had dismissed Kiss as a kiddie band after their disco venture with "I Was Made for Loving You". This album proved they could come back swinging, just like any band can. "Saint and Sinner" is a straight-up, pointing the fingers of blame at Ace Frehley for his egotistical behavior and Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons getting past the point of frustration with him. "I Love It Loud" has that perfect hum of heavy metal guitars throughout the song, making it not only a good headbanging song, but the perfect battle cry for metal heads and headbangers alike

-My opinion: I love this album. The title track is amazing. "I Love It Loud" is so addictive you want to listen to it repeatedly. "War Machine" is a down and gloomy heavy metal rocker that is also addictive

1

Destroyer (1976)

-Bob Ezrin, who produced Alice Cooper, had come in and played drill sergeant to get these guys into shape. He wanted no songs about sex, since it seemed like the majority of their songs pertained to sex. Bob wanted songs that would be good, obviously, but he also wanted the band to attract the ladies as well. That's where "Beth" came in. Originally written as a song called "Beck" and from Peter's days in the band Chelsea, it was originally written to mock one of his former bandmates. They would take what he said and write it down. When the lyrics were read, it turned into a touching love song. But, in addition to the love song "Beth", you have heavy metal monster "God of Thunder", "Do You Love Me?" with its orchestral bells, "Shout It Out Loud", one of the ultimate party songs and an homage to a city that embraced them early on- "Detroit Rock City"

-My opinion: Great album. If it was not for the track "Beth", Kiss concerts would be nothing but sweaty teenaged males or just sweaty males there to rock. All the songs are good!!

It looks like Gene Simmons isn't the only one declaring "rock is dead"

Former KISS drummer Peter Criss is sharing that same opinion!

Both he and current KISS bassist Gene Simmons both are of the sound mind and opinion that rock is officially dead. When Simmons first mentioned this, there was an utter firestorm of controversy stemming from musicians all over. Now, the former KISS drummer is starting to suspect his former bandmate was right. During a recent interview with Hi Fi Way, Criss basically restated Simmons' opinion, stating that "rock ‘n’ roll is over." Despite saying that he is a "21st century guy", he can't help but feel disappointed in today's music. Hearing the music of today has pushed him farther toward the decision to retire from music completely

"I’ve been around since the day that the Beatles were onstage, I’ve been around when music was Motown … I’ve been around! What’s going on today ain’t my cup of tea. The ’60s and ’70s were the times to be around. I saw Jimi Hendrix, I saw the real Who, the real Zeppelin, the Beatles and seen the Stones many times now that I know them and we’re friends. Over the years a lot has happened to me and I got to see all these great acts, and what I see today doesn’t rock my cradle and doesn’t do anything for me and I don’t care for a lot of the music". When he and the rest of KISS first started out, they had to fight tooth and nail just to make a name for themselves, which wasn't easy, because at the time the band formed, many labels wanted punk, glam rock or even disco

"We were early pioneers and no one was doing that when we started out. Now everyone does it, so it isn’t big news anymore. It’s time for me to get off the train as it’s not a great ride anymore. I don’t go out to concerts much anymore because I don’t enjoy myself because I get constantly harassed, people with phones wanting to take pictures, I can’t really sit and enjoy the concert or have a good time so I’m more of a homebody these days. The world has changed, my friend".

Which Member of KISS are You?

For those people who listen to the band KISS, you're considered members of the KISS Army, myself definitely included!!! Now it's time to find out if you are dark humored and cynical "Demon" Gene, sweethearted, yet insecure "Starchild" Paul, quiet yet powerful "Catman" Peter Criss, or hard partying, hard rocking "Spaceman/Space Ace" Ace Frehley. I just had to put this as a post!!!!!

Time to find out What Kiss Member You Are Like

Q1
You believe that hard work can be its own reward
-Yes
-No

Q2
You love beer
-False
-True

Q3
You believe you're much smarter than those around you
-True
-False

Q4
Being successful in your career is your top priority in life
-True
-False

Q5
When you drive, you're an aggressive driver
-True
-False

Q6
When work gets overwhelming, you stop working
-True
-False

Q7
You tend to be overconfident in your abilities
-True
-False

Q8
You often daydream rather than actually getting things done
-True
-False

Q9
You consider yourself a team player
-True
-False

Q10
You enjoy culture and getting exposed to new things
-True
-False

Q11
You enjoy most types of music
-True
-False

Q12
You consider yourself high tech, armed with the latest in technology
-True
-False

Q13
If you could have one or the other, would you prefer your significant other to be hot or smart?
-Smart
-Hot

Q14
You tend to be more conservative than liberal
-False
-True

Q15
Generally, you consider yourself a very nice person
-True
-False

My answers

Q1
-Yes

Q2
-False

Q3
-False

Q4
-False

Q5
-False

Q6
-True

Q7
-False

Q8
-False

Q9
-True

Q10
-True

Q11
-True

Q12
-True

Q13
-Smart

Q14
-False

Q15
-True

Which Member of KISS Are You Most Like?
 Paul Stanley (Thank you God!! I'm soooooooooooooo fine with this one!! He's still the cutest one in the band anyway!!!)
-You enjoy the center of attention and leading the show, while always remaining true to yourself and true to others around you. You're a team player, and live to win!
-I'm not really the type to be the center of attention, but staying true to myself, that I can rock out no problem!!!

December birthdays

Since it's December, time to say Happy Birthday to the following people

Gabriel Jagger
-Birth name: Gabriel Luke Beauregard Jagger
-DOB: 1997
-Where: New York
-His siblings include Georgia May Jagger, Elizabeth Jagger and James Jagger

He's the one on the left, with black hair. Wow, he's handsome

Lucy Liu
-Birth name: Lucy Alexis Liu
-DOB: 12/02/1968
-Where: Queens, New York
-Did not learn English until age 5, due to her family speaking Mandarin Chinese

Ozzy Osbourne
-Birth name: John Michael Osbourne
-DOB: 12/03/1948
-Known as: The Prince of Darkness, The Godfather of Heavy Metal, The Madman
-Where: Aston, Birmingham, England
-Said he couldn't sleep with Sharon for nine months after finding out she had colon cancer. He worried she would have died in the middle of the night and he'd wake up alone. (Oh wow, how sad is that? That's some true love there!)

These two are still together after all these years. That's what true love is. Such a beautiful couple :D

Simon Helberg
-Birth name: Simon Maxwell Helberg
-DOB: 12/09/1980
-Where: Los Angeles, California
-Obtained a black belt in karate at age 9

Peter Criss
-Birth name: Peter George John Criscoula
-DOB: 12/20/1945
-Where: Brooklyn, New York
-Sued the National Enquirer in 1995 for stating he was a homeless drunk living on the beach in Santa Monica

Denzel Washington
-Birth name: Denzel Hayes Washington Jr.
-DOB: 12/28/1954
-Where: Mount Vernon, New York
-Frequently works with director Spike Lee

Really? Now Eric Singer is voicing his opinion on the Kiss trouble

Eric Singer, current drummer and Catman for Kiss, accuses former Kiss members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley of hypocrisy

Mostly it was Peter Criss and Ace Frehley stirring up the hornet's nest, calling the current lineup of Kiss "half a cover band." But current drummer Eric Singer has been quiet through this and in a new interview, he states he had not one problem playing alongside Criss or Frehley.

"This is something that I notice that nobody seems to point out. When I came in to play with the makeup [in 2001], Ace was in the band, and had no problem with me playing with Peter’s makeup while he went onstage and made that Kiss money. In fact, he loved it, and he didn’t want Peter back in the band." He told Rolling Stone

"And then go forward the next year, when Ace decided to leave. When we fast forward, all of a sudden they bring Peter back, and you got Tommy Thayer playing guitar wearing the Ace makeup, and all of a sudden, no one minded it was Ace’s makeup design. Peter had no problem, did he?"

"This is just music. It’s not solving the problems of the world. You know, the most important thing is – I tell everyone – ‘Look around you. If you have a kid, look at your kid. Look at her smiling. Look at your family.’ That’s life. That’s what’s really important. Not what some band does"

Kiss at the R&R HOF ceremony

Paul Stanley accuses Peter Criss and Ace Frehley of Anti-Semitic behavior

Yeah, that's right. Another Kiss-related feud. There's a lot of those happening lately...

In Paul Stanley's newly release bio, he points out that Ace Frehley and Peter Criss engaged in Anti-Semitic behavior sometimes

While it's no secret that Peter Criss and Ace Frehley abusing substances was poison to Gene and Paul, it's also no secret that Paul claims Peter and Ace were anti-Semitic (against Jewish people for those who may not know :D). Stanley said that Peter and Ace "felt powerless and impotent when faced with the tireless focus, drive and ambition of me and Gene. As a result, the two of them tried to sabotage the band — which, as they saw it, was unfairly manipulated by [us] money-grubbing Jews"

He also claims that Ace had a habit of collecting Nazi memorabilia, dressing as a Nazi, walking around and talking in a mock German accent and in the early days of Kiss, supposedly witnessed Peter mocking Chinese waiters at restaurants

Also, Peter and Ace were not the only ones on Paul's do-not-like-right-now list. His bandmate Gene Simmons was not invited to Paul's 2005 wedding to Erin Sutton because of his anti-marriage views. He told his fellow band mate "When you insult and demean people who get married and ridicule or dismiss the idea of marriage, you have no place at a wedding". But of course, Gene went on to marry later partner Shannon Tweed in 2011

Peter Criss lying in his book?

Peter Criss' ex-wife Lydia accuses him of lying!

In his book, Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss, his wife Lydia accuses Peter of lying.

"I know Peter, I was with him for 13 years, I’ve known him for 40 years,” she pointed out. “Peter is very dramatic, he’s an exaggerator, he’s a complainer, he’s a liar."

She thinks it was motivated by revenge "When we were married, there was a point where I was actually uncomfortable with him putting me on such a pedestal, and then his book comes out and he basically says he didn’t care for me that much,” she pointed out. “He’s trying to get even with me for what I wrote, which was the truth, in my book. Peter’s book is not the truth and that’s proven, even by stupid little things." She also added "At least Ace told the truth in his book, Peter didn’t. There are stories in Ace’s book that I knew should be in his book and they were there. There are things in Peter’s book that just don’t add up"

Things You Never Knew About...

Peter Criss

Here are some things you may or may not have known about Peter George John Criscoula, who would later become Peter Criss, the "Catman" drummer of Kiss

He's a breast cancer survivor
-After discovering his wife Gigi had a cancer in her ovaries in 2008, this made him paranoid about cancer. He was under the impression men could not get breast cancer. So he stripped down and gave himself an inspection to check for anything suspicious. Sure enough, there was a lump on his chest. After going to the doctor, he was told it was breast cancer. After having a successful lumpectomy, he supports the Susan G. Komen Foundation every year by walking in the Walk for a Cure Race and also did an ad on TV, encouraging men to get checked for breast cancer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

His makeup was inspired by his life growing up

-Believing he was like a cat, having nine lives growing up in Brooklyn, this inspired him to become the "Catman" in Kiss

Was hired by Kiss because of an ad he placed

-The Village Voice was the East Coast version of Rolling Stone. It was where musicians could place ads to get hired. And Peter placed an ad in there after his band, Lips, fell apart. "EXPD. ROCK & roll drummer looking for orig. grp. doing soft & hard music. Peter, Brooklyn". When Gene Simmons called him, he started asking Criss things like "Are you fat?" "Are you good looking?"

Took up an acting career in his post-Kiss days

-After leaving Kiss, he took up a little acting. Mostly small stuff, like appearing in the 1999 film Detroit Rock City, appearing as a police officer on the episode "Thirteen Years Later" of the TV show Millennium and playing an inmate named Martin 'Marty' Montgomery on the show Oz and appearing in the movie Frame of Mind, about the JFK assassination, where he played a character named Mike

As 'Marty' Montgomery on Oz

Frame of Mind

He's a gun enthusiast
-He collects guns and this clearly made a lot of attention for himself when the band was on the Tomorrow Show. He says he target shoots, and does not hunt

Was abused by the nuns at his Catholic school
-At Transfiguration, his Catholic school, he was abused by the nuns. He was locked in a closet for hours on end, made to sit in his own waste because he was not allowed to go the bathroom and he came home to a severely abusive grandmother who beat him senseless, until he bled from every hole in his body, including his private parts

The song "Beth" was originally titled "Beck"
-Inspired by a woman named Rebecca, the girlfriend of a former band mate, who constantly called, interrupting sessions, Criss was inspired to write a song, and somehow, the words he chose, turned it into a very touching love song

Sued The National Enquirer in 1995
-In 1995, the National Enquirer printed a story stating he was a homeless drunk living on the beach. When in reality, it was someone who claimed to be him. This stunt ruined his life until he had to prove he was the REAL Peter Criss

Loves big band jazz music
-Growing up in a house where this kind of music is popular, being out Kiss gave Criss a chance to focus on the music he loves- big band jazz music, especially Gene Krupa, a musician he loved and was inspired by growing up

Only has 1 child
-Has a daughter named Jennilee, born to Debra Jensen, a former model

Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss

As the title suggests, this is an autobiography of Peter Criss, the former drummer, the "Catman" of Kiss. It was a really good book and luckily for my sister, she now knows what to get me for Christmas, lol

While reading it, I learned a lot of stuff I didn't know about him. Here are some of them

He was abused by the nuns at his Catholic school
-While attending Transfiguration, his Catholic school, he was abused. From things such as refusal to go to the bathroom, so he was made to sit in his own waste, or being locked in a closet for hours at a time or coming home to an extremely abusive grandmother who would beat him senseless, until he bled from almost every hole in his body, including his private parts

Or, that he's a breast cancer survivor
-In 2008, his wife Gigi discovered she had cancer in her ovaries. This made him paranoid about lumps and anything to do with cancer. So he did a self inspection of every inch of his body, because he said that after years of wearing spandex, you immediately know what doesn't belong there when he found a lump on his chest, which turned out to be cancerous. And that he did an ad encouraging men to get checked for breast cancer because, up until then, he believed men couldn't get breast cancer

Or that he and Ace pulled a VERY cruel prank on one of his bandmates
-No one, except Paul Stanley, was aware that Gene Simmons' mother was a concentration camp survivor. Ace, out of a habit he had, dressed up as a Nazi officer and had even enlisted Peter's help in his little prank. They both, dressed as Nazis, did the worst thing imaginable: THEY KNOCKED ON GENE'S DOOR! When he opened it, he was utterly appalled by what he saw. But not before Peter said in a mock German accent "Where are your papers otherwise we'll throw your Jewish a-- into the ovens!" He closed the door, obviously very hurt and when they were back in their room, a clearly angry Paul Stanley burst in, saying "What the f--- is wrong with you? Are you insane? Don't you know his grandmother died in the f---ing ovens?" That's when he told Peter and Ace about Gene telling him that his mother was a Nazi camp survivor, of Auschwitz. How her own grandmother had died in the gas chamber and her own mother died with her so they wouldn't be alone

Awwww, how cute is this?

I found something cute, and especially awesome for fans of the band Kiss. They're these little plush dolls of your favorite guys :D They're so cute!!! And the funniest thing in the world? I have the Paul Stanley one and my sister was brushing the hair on it, lol!!!


Peter Criss



Gene Simmons



Ace Frehley



All together



Paul Stanley