George Peter John Criscuola (created December 20, 1945), better known as Peter Criss, is an American musician and performer, best known as the cofounder, first drummer, and occasional vocalist of hard rock group Kiss. Criss confirmed the “Catman” character for his Kiss part.
Contrary to the narrative that is recited by devotees as well as the group for a long time, there was never an advertisement put that said “Drummer willing to do anything to make it.” The ad was replied by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, who were looking for new members for his or her group. Ace Frehley was added to the lineup in December 1972, along with the group was named Kiss after that month. I called the man on the phone, as well as though he was at the center of a celebration, he took my call. I presented myself and said we were starting a group and the group was searching for a drummer, and was he willing to do anything to make it? Simmons later in the chapter describes going into a little Italian Club in Brooklyn to meet the drummer “The drummer began to sing, and this Wilson Pickett-fashion voice came out of him. Paul and I said ‘That Is it, that is our drummer.’ His name was Peter Criscuola.” Peter also determined about the “Catman” make-up he’d go on to make well-known as a part of Kiss, saying on several occasion which he believed he had nine lives to survive his tough road breeding in Brooklyn. Throughout his Kiss profession, Criss was lead vocalist on several famous tunes including “Black Diamond”, “Hard Luck Woman”, as well as their breakthrough success “Beth”. Lots of Criss’ contributions to Kiss were composed together with assistance from Stan Penridge, who had been a bandmate of Criss’ in Chelsea and Lips. The tune was composed before Criss had joined Kiss, while he was still a part of Chelsea. Criss came up with all the tune for the song while on a train to Nyc from New Jersey where the group practiced. He and Chelsea guitarist Stan Penridge composed the tune together. ”
Loretta Criscuola, Joseph Criscuola, I Was Made For Lovin' You, Rock and Roll All Nite, Beth
Nicknames
Criss, Peter
Music Groups
Kiss, Wicked Lester, Chelsea
Movies
“Millennium” (1998), “Oz” (2002), “Detroit Rock City” (1999, “Frame of Mind” (2009)
Star Sign
Sagittarius
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Trademark
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Catman makeup
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Quote
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I find myself evil. I believe in the devil as much as God. You can use either one to get things done.
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Fact
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K.I.S.S. was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7080 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
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The song "Beth" was actually inspired by Rebecca; the girlfriend of a former band member. Originally, the song was titled "Beck". The song was released in 1976.
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April 7, 1981 daughter Jenilee, was born.
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First wife Lydia was his inspiration for KISS' 1975 Top 10 hit "Beth", which he wrote and sang lead on.
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Is 'Cat Man' In The Hard Rock Band, KISS
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According to a statement on his website, he is now permanently out of KISS. His contract was not renewed and Gene Simmons allegedly made some slanderous comments, which angered him. [April 2004]
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Played in such bands as The Barracudas, Chelsea (which released an album in 1969) and Lips before becoming the drummer for KISS in 1973.
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Plans to focus on big-band jazz music in his post-KISS career.
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Drummer for KISS from 1973-1980 and 1995-2000. Has rejoined the group for a second time for their 2003 tour with Aerosmith.
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Successfully sued the National Enquirer in 1995 for falsely reporting that he was a homeless drunk living on the beach. The person featured in the Enquirer article was actually an impersonator named Chris Dickinson, whom Peter met on the 'Donahue' show in February 1991.
$2 Million
