Peter Criss facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Peter Criss
Criss performing with Kiss in 1977
Background information
Birth name	George Peter John Criscuola
Also known as	"The Catman"
Born	(1945-12-20) December 20, 1945 (age 79) Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hard rock heavy metal jazz swing
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Drums percussion vocals
Years active	1964–2017

George Peter John Criscuola (born December 20, 1945), known as Peter Criss, is a retired American musician. He is famous as a co-founder and the original drummer for the hard rock band Kiss. Criss created the "Catman" character for his stage performances with Kiss. In 2014, he was honored by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Kiss.

Peter Criss's Early Life

Peter Criss was born in Brooklyn, New York. His parents, Loretta and Joseph Criscuola, raised him and his four younger siblings. Peter grew up in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn. He was a friend of Jerry Nolan, who later became the drummer for the band New York Dolls. Peter loved art and swing music. He even studied drums with his hero, Gene Krupa, at a club in New York.

Peter Criss's Music Journey

Playing in Early Bands

Before Kiss, Peter Criss played in several bands. From 1962 to 1966, he was in a band called the Barracudas. He also played with Chelsea, which released an album in 1970. After Chelsea, he was part of a duo called Lips.

Another early band Peter played in was The Sounds of Soul. This band also included Jerry Nolan and Joe Lucenti. Peter, Joe Lucenti, and keyboardist Peppi Genarelli played together for several years.

Forming the Band Kiss

The Catman

After his band Lips ended, Peter Criss put an ad in Rolling Stone magazine. The ad said he was an "experienced rock & roll drummer looking for an original group." Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons saw his ad. They were looking for new members for their band.

Gene Simmons later wrote about meeting Peter. He said Peter sang with a powerful voice, like Wilson Pickett. Paul and Gene knew right away that Peter was the drummer they needed. Ace Frehley joined the band in December 1972. Soon after, the band was named Kiss.

Kiss released their first album, Kiss, in February 1974. Peter Criss often sang lead on one or two songs on each album. Some of his famous songs include "Black Diamond", "Hard Luck Woman", and "Beth".

"Beth" became a huge hit for Kiss in 1976. It reached No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. This song is still Kiss's highest-charting song in the United States. It even won them a People's Choice Award in 1977. Peter Criss helped write "Beth" before he joined Kiss, while he was in Chelsea.

Peter Criss Leaves Kiss

On the 1979 album Dynasty, Peter only played on one song, "Dirty Livin'". He did not play on the 1980 album Unmasked. However, he was still shown on the album covers and in music videos.

There were problems between Peter and his bandmates, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. The exact reasons for his departure were not made public at the time. Peter Criss says he quit the band. However, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Ace Frehley have said that Peter was asked to leave.

Peter Criss officially left Kiss on May 18, 1980. The band then found a new drummer, Eric Carr.

Peter Criss's Solo Work

In March 1980, Peter Criss started recording his second solo album, Out of Control. He released another album in 1982 called Let Me Rock You. Neither album sold very well.

Through the 1980s and early 1990s, Peter played with several other bands. One band was The Keep, which included former Kiss guitarist Mark St. John. Peter also formed a band called "Criss" in the early 1990s. This band released an EP in 1993 and an album called Cat #1 in 1994.

Peter Criss Returns to Kiss

Criss in 1995

In 1995, Peter Criss appeared at a Kiss fan event. This led to a special live performance for MTV Unplugged. On February 28, 1996, the original members of Kiss surprised everyone at the Grammy Awards. They appeared in their full makeup and costumes for the first time since 1979.

In April 1996, Kiss announced a reunion tour with all four original members. The tour was a huge success. The reunited Kiss then released a new album in 1998 called Psycho Circus. Peter Criss played drums on one song and sang lead on another, "I Finally Found My Way."

Peter Criss Leaves Kiss Again

Peter Criss left Kiss again in 2001 due to a contract disagreement. Eric Singer replaced him. Peter rejoined the band in late 2002 for a short time. He appeared on the Kiss Symphony: Alive IV DVD and CD. He left Kiss for the third time in March 2004. Eric Singer then took on the "Catman" character. Peter Criss said that no matter who wears the makeup, "it ain't us."

Life After Kiss

Since 2004, Peter Criss has mostly stayed out of the public eye. He lives in Wall Township, New Jersey. He released a solo album called One for All in 2007. Peter Criss performed his last solo show on June 17, 2017, in New York City. He decided to retire from touring at age 71.

Peter Criss's Personal Life

Peter Criss has been married three times. He married Lydia Di Leonardo in 1970, Debra Jensen in 1979, and Gigi Criss in 1998. He has a daughter named Jenilee, who was born in 1981.

In 2008, Peter Criss was diagnosed with breast cancer. He found a lump on his chest while working out. He was successfully treated with surgery.

Peter Criss released his autobiography, Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss, in 2012.

Peter Criss's Acting Roles

Besides playing himself in the movies Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park (1978) and Detroit Rock City (1999), Peter Criss has also appeared on television.

In 2002, he was in two episodes of the HBO show Oz. He also played a role in the movie Frame of Mind. In 1998, he appeared in an episode of the TV show Millennium.

Peter Criss's Music Albums

See also

In Spanish: Peter Criss para niños