Peter Criss: Life After Kiss, New Album, and More

Few rock fans forget the first time they heard “Beth” — that soft ballad from a band known for fire and thunder. For millions, that voice belonged to Peter Criss, the Catman and original drummer of Kiss. Decades later, he’s still making music, with a self-titled album released in December 2024. Here’s the story of his life after the makeup came off, what the surviving members are doing today, and what’s fact versus rumor.

Age: 78 (born December 20, 1945) ·
Original Kiss tenure: 1973–1980 ·
Signature song: “Beth” ·
Current status: Active musician (new album 2024) ·
Spouse: Gigi Criss (married 2018)

The table above captures the core biographical data, but the real story lies in the reasons behind his departure and his recent return to the studio.

Why did Kiss get rid of Peter Criss?

Reasons for Peter Criss’s departure from Kiss

Kiss fired Peter Criss in 1980. According to Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, the band cited substance abuse and growing conflicts with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons as the primary reasons. Drummer Eric Carr replaced him.

The role of creative differences and personal issues

In various interviews, Criss has acknowledged that his addiction problems and creative friction made it impossible to stay in the group. The split was not amicable at the time, though Criss later reunited with the band for the 1990s reunion tours.

The implication: the band prioritized long-term viability over loyalty to its founding drummer.

What is Peter Criss doing today?

Peter Criss’s musical projects after Kiss

After leaving Kiss, Criss released several solo albums, including the 1978 self-titled Kiss solo record. His most recent full-length is the 2024 self-titled album Peter Criss, his first solo project in 18 years (Drumming News Network, a drumming news outlet).

His new album ‘Peter Criss’ (2024)

The album features collaborations with John 5, Billy Sheehan, and Paul Shaffer. It contains 11 tracks and was released on December 19, 2024 (Apple Music, the music streaming service). Criss described it in an interview as a “rock and roll album” that he felt compelled to record because “there’s less rock and roll in the world” (Drumming News Network). He lives in New Jersey with his wife.

The catch: fans hoping for a full tour may be disappointed — his age and health remain limiting factors.

Did Peter Criss attend Ace Frehley’s funeral?

Details of Peter Criss’s attendance at Ace Frehley’s private funeral

There have been unverified reports that Peter Criss attended a private funeral for Ace Frehley alongside Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. However, Ace Frehley is alive as of known records. The query appears to stem from misinformation circulating online. No credible source has confirmed that a funeral for Frehley has occurred.

Reunion of surviving Kiss members

The three surviving original members — Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss — have occasionally reunited for performances and events. The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony saw the original lineup share the stage, but no funeral for Frehley has taken place.

What was Peter Criss’s signature song?

The story behind ‘Beth’

“Beth” was written by Peter Criss and Stan Penridge. It became Kiss’s first top-10 single in the United States in 1976 (Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia). The ballad, a departure from the band’s usual hard rock sound, was sung by Criss himself.

Why ‘Beth’ became Peter Criss’s signature song

Criss performed “Beth” live with Kiss and later during his solo tours. The track remains his most recognizable work. Eric Singer, the current Kiss drummer, has performed “Beth” in concerts since Criss’s departure.

Where does Peter Criss live today?

Peter Criss’s residence

Peter Criss resides in New Jersey with his wife Gigi, whom he married in 2018 (his official website PeterCriss.net). He maintains a relatively private life outside the spotlight.

His life in New Jersey

Criss has lived in New Jersey for many years. The location allows him to stay close to New York City’s music scene while enjoying a quieter home life.