Introduction
George Peter John Criscuola, widely recognized by his stage name Peter Criss, was born on December 20, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a working-class family, Criss was exposed to music at an early age, influenced by jazz legends like Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. His passion for drumming was evident, and by the age of 16, he was already performing in local bands. One of his early bands, The Barracudas, allowed him to cut his teeth in the competitive New York music scene.
Formation of KISS
In the early 1970s, Criss placed an ad in the East Coast music magazine Rolling Stone, which led to a life-changing meeting with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. Recognizing their mutual ambition, they formed KISS in 1973, later joined by Ace Frehley. Criss's persona, The Catman, became one of the most iconic in rock history. Their self-titled debut album, released in February 1974, was a modest success, but it was their live album, "Alive!", released in 1975, that catapulted them to stardom, selling over 500,000 copies within a few months.
Financial Success and Challenges
KISS's commercial success was not instantaneous. The band's elaborate stage shows, characterized by pyrotechnics, blood-spitting, and fire-breathing, were initially funded out of pocket. By 1976, however, their efforts paid off as their album "Destroyer" achieved platinum status, selling over 1 million copies. Criss's contribution, the ballad "Beth", became one of the band's biggest hits, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a People's Choice Award in 1977. Financially, this success translated into significant earnings, with KISS reportedly grossing $10 million from their 1977-78 world tour alone.
Creative Differences and Departure
Despite their success, internal tensions began to surface. Criss and Frehley often clashed with Stanley and Simmons over creative directions and financial decisions. By 1979, these tensions culminated in Criss's departure from the band. His final performance with KISS's original lineup was on December 16, 1979, in Toledo, Ohio. Criss pursued a solo career, releasing his debut self-titled album in 1980. However, it failed to achieve the commercial success of his work with KISS, peaking at No. 43 on the Billboard 200.
Financial Struggles and Comeback
The early 1980s were financially challenging for Criss. Mismanagement and poor investments depleted much of his earnings. However, the resurgence of KISS in the mid-1990s, particularly their 1996 reunion tour, provided a significant financial boost. The "KISS Alive/Worldwide Tour" grossed over $143.7 million, marking one of the highest-grossing tours of the decade.
Personal Life and Health
Criss's personal life has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. He has been married three times, with his current wife, Gigi Criss, being a steadfast support since their marriage in 1998. In 2008, Criss faced a significant health scare when he was diagnosed with breast cancer, a rare condition in men. His successful battle against the disease has made him an advocate for cancer awareness, particularly male breast cancer.
Legacy and Retirement
In 2014, Criss was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of KISS, a testament to his enduring impact on rock music. Despite occasional reunions, Criss officially retired from music in 2017, marking the end of an era with a final performance at the Cutting Room in New York City. His financial legacy, bolstered by royalties from KISS's extensive catalog and merchandise sales, remains substantial, with estimates of his net worth around $3 million.
Exclusive Insights
Less commonly known is Criss's involvement in visual arts. Post-retirement, he has dedicated time to painting, often drawing inspiration from his experiences with KISS. Additionally, Criss has been a philanthropist, quietly supporting various charities, including those focused on animal welfare and veterans' issues.
Conclusion
Peter Criss's journey from a Brooklyn teenager with a passion for jazz drumming to a rock legend is a testament to his talent, resilience, and enduring influence. His financial ups and downs mirror the volatile nature of the music industry, yet his legacy as The Catman of KISS remains indelible.
