Peter Criss height - How tall is Peter Criss?

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]

Additionally, relations with Simmons / Stanley had fallen on untenable terms and he was replaced by another former KISS drummer, Eric Singer, in 2001.

The drama unfolded on the "Phil Donahue Show" with Criss, the impostor and other concerned parties involved in a verbal slanging match! However, after several years of icy relations between ex-members Frehley / Criss and band founders Simmons / Stanley, all four original members reunited for a 1995 MTV Unplugged Special that was met with huge interest, prompting a full blown reunion tour (KISS - Alive Worldwide) that was the biggest grossing tour of 1996/97. Met with such keen enthusiasm, the band toured relentlessly into the new century, however Peter Criss was experiencing inflammation of his forearms.

Interestingly, Criss was the subject of a tabloid scandal in 1991, when a national tabloid claimed Criss was penniless and living under a pier at Santa Monica.

Criss' close friend, Ace Frehley similarly left KISS in 1982, and met with only slightly better success than Criss with his own group ("Frehleys Comet") and several hard rock albums.

However, cracks appeared in the band and Peter Criss was fired in 1980, and released two solo albums "Out of Control" and "Let Me Rock You", however they were commercial failures.

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.

First wife Lydia was his inspiration for KISS' 1975 Top 10 hit "Beth", which he wrote and sang lead on.

After mediocre success from their first three albums, Kiss Alive (a double live album) was released in 1974, and the roller coaster ride had begun! KISS were the most successful US group from 1975 to 1980 with platinum selling albums and sold out stadium tours.

In early 1973, Criss placed an ad in the "Village Voice" stating "drummer willing to do anything to make it". The ad was noticed by two other aspiring musicians and Criss successfully auditioned in front of bassist Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley and lead guitarist Ace Frehley.

Played in such bands as The Barracudas, Chelsea (which released an album in 1969) and Lips before becoming the drummer for KISS in 1973.

Former drummer for hard rock super-group "KISS", best known for his "cat" character and thumping drum solo's. Criss was born Peter George John Crisscoula on December 20th, 1945 in Brooklyn, New York City.

Criss was influenced by the 1940s big band sound, and was quite keen on Gene Krupa's unique drumming style.