Peter Criss Quotes

Powerful Peter Criss for Daily Growth

About Peter Criss

Peter Criss, born on December 22, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, is an iconic figure in the world of rock music, best known as the founding drummer and co-songwriter of the seminal band KISS. Born Peter Paul Criscione, he adopted the stage name Criss to avoid confusion with another musician. His love for music began at a young age, influenced by artists like Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. He honed his skills as a drummer, and in the 1960s, started playing in various New York City bands. In 1973, Criss co-founded KISS along with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Ace Frehley. With his flamboyant stage persona, Catman, and iconic makeup, he helped establish the band's unique image and contributed significantly to their sound with hits like "Beth" and "Hard Luck Woman." Criss left KISS in 1980, returning for reunion tours in 1996 and 2003. His departure marked a shift in the band's sound and direction. Away from KISS, Criss has pursued a solo career, releasing albums like "Peter Criss" (1978) and "Out of Control" (1982). He also ventured into acting, appearing in films like "Paris, Texas" (1984) and "Cherry 2000" (1985). Criss's life and career have been marked by personal struggles, including battles with substance abuse. However, he has remained a beloved figure in the world of rock music, known for his contributions to KISS and his unique drumming style. His influence continues to resonate with generations of musicians, and his legacy as a founding member of one of rock's most iconic bands endures.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I think rock and roll is about having fun."

This quote by Peter Criss underscores the essence of rock and roll music as an expression of enjoyment, freedom, and celebration. It suggests that at its core, the genre is a creative outlet for people to let loose, have fun, and express themselves through the power of music. This perspective invites us to appreciate rock and roll not just for its technical skill or cultural impact, but for its ability to uplift spirits and foster camaraderie among listeners.


"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps rule."

This quote by Peter Criss suggests that the music industry can be unforgiving, materialistic, and exploitative. He implies that it operates as a treacherous environment where individuals with malicious intentions (thieves and pimps) have significant power. The term "long plastic hallway" metaphorically describes the monotonous and superficial nature of the industry, where creativity often takes a backseat to financial gain.


"Rock and roll is not just about playing the drums; it's about giving people energy and emotion."

This quote by Peter Criss, a renowned drummer from KISS, emphasizes that rock and roll goes beyond merely playing an instrument. It encapsulates a unique blend of energy and emotion intended to stir up feelings in the audience. In essence, it's about creating a dynamic performance that resonates with people on a deeper level and makes them feel connected, energized, and moved by the music.


"I have always loved rock 'n' roll because it's a way to express yourself without words."

This quote by Peter Criss highlights the power of music, particularly rock 'n' roll, as an emotional outlet that transcends the boundaries of language. It suggests that one can communicate deep feelings, experiences, and stories through the medium of music, even without using actual words. This quote underscores the universal appeal of music, making it a powerful tool for self-expression, connection, and understanding among people from different cultures and backgrounds.


"The key to making great rock music is being able to capture that raw, emotional intensity."

The quote by Peter Criss emphasizes the importance of capturing a raw, emotional authenticity in creating impactful rock music. This emotional intensity, born from genuine feelings or experiences, resonates with listeners and often results in memorable and powerful songs. By focusing on this raw emotional energy, artists can create music that not only appeals to fans but also remains timeless in the annals of rock history.


As busy as I claim to be, I've still got the greatest job in the world.

- Peter Criss

Busy, World, Still, Claim

Musicians play music because you love... I loved to play drums since I was five. It's all I ever wanted to do. Rock stars, or as we call them, posers, guys who want to just look great, dress great. They're not musicians; they're looking for the fame.

- Peter Criss

Love, Dress, Play, Rock Stars

It's a younger generation running the show, and I miss the generation we had in the '70s. They were really very honorable guys, like Neal Bogart and Bill Graham, people who will never be around again.

- Peter Criss

Show, Very, Graham, Honorable

There's not a day that goes by that I don't bless myself with holy water and then get in my car and rub the medal of the Virgin Mary that she gave me and say a Hail Mary for my mother. And then I kiss her Mass card that's right there on the dashboard.

- Peter Criss

Mother, Kiss, Mass, Hail

We're much more controlled now. We were kids back then, we each had our own demons. It was insanity.

- Peter Criss

Insanity, Own, More, Demons

The magic's back and we're in a time tunnel, feeling like when we were in our 20s back in the 1970s.

- Peter Criss

Magic, Like, Were, 1970s

I finally got a chance to talk to my daughter from my previous marriage. I just got married May 3 to my beautiful wife, but we don't see each other much.

- Peter Criss

Chance, Other, Previous, Beautiful Wife

Cool things happen. Ace's guitar flies through space, goes through a hole, and blows up. I throw drumsticks and they come flying at you.

- Peter Criss

Through, Happen, Flies, Blows

We're playing the Superbowl this year, we're opening up before the coins drop.

- Peter Criss

Drop, Year, Before, Opening

When 'Destroyer' was first released, we got a strong backlash from our hardcore fans. After six months, the album was dead in the water. The critics didn't think much of it, either.

- Peter Criss

Strong, Think, Six, Released

I once had money to burn. I'd fly to Barbados for the weekend. I lived in a twenty-two-room mansion and had my pick of four luxury cars.

- Peter Criss

Burn, Weekend, Had, Mansion

There's a lot of smoke being blown at you, but this is no new sport to me; I've been doing it a long time, I'm used to it and I see it coming immediately the minute it gets into our realm.

- Peter Criss

Doing, Been, I See, Blown

Three times during the show the drums are lifted over the audience - I go up and out, right, left and back.

- Peter Criss

Audience, Over, Show, Drums

What I love about being a member of KISS is that we're the 'John Glenns' of rock - we always have to be the first in anything we do, and I love that.

- Peter Criss

Love, Always, About, Kiss

I find myself evil. I believe in the devil as much as God. You can use either one to get things done.

- Peter Criss

Myself, Believe, Use, Devil

I deal with guys in their 20s and early 30s who are presidents of companies, who are movie directors.

- Peter Criss

Deal, Movie, Directors, Presidents

I'm from Brooklyn. I grew up very poor- seven people, four rooms. My dad had no education.

- Peter Criss

Education, Very, Rooms, Brooklyn

For me, music is all about emotion and attitude.

- Peter Criss

Music, Me, About, Emotion

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