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Peter Criss
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The rock band Kiss poses in full makeup and costumes on and around a black car in London, 1976. Clockwise from front left: Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss. Kiss members Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Paul Stanley, and Ace Frehley perform on stage in costume and makeup, with a large lit-up Kiss sign behind them and fans raising hands in the foreground.
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Peter Criss

American musician
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The rock band Kiss poses in full makeup and costumes on and around a black car in London, 1976. Clockwise from front left: Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss.
Kiss American rock band Kiss, photographed in London in 1976: (clockwise from front left) Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss.

Peter Criss is an American musician, best known as the original drummer and vocalist for the iconic rock band Kiss. Born George Peter Criscuola on December 20, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, Criss adopted the persona of "The Catman" for Kiss's theatrical stage performances, which featured elaborate makeup and costumes.12

Kiss was formed in New York City in 1973 by Criss, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Ace Frehley. The band gained significant popularity in the 1970s for its hard rock sound and visually striking live shows, which included pyrotechnics and fire-breathing. Criss was a key member during the band's breakthrough with the 1975 album Alive! and its hit song "Rock and Roll All Nite". He left Kiss in 1980 but later rejoined for a reunion in 1996.12

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  1. Kiss: Top Questions
  2. Kiss

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