Peter Criss Addresses Gene Simmons’ Remarks About His Musicianship
via @kiss_archives / Instagram
Original KISS drummer Peter Criss has responded publicly after Gene Simmons made a remark that quickly raised eyebrows among musicians and fans alike. The comment, which appeared in a recent interview with Billboard, suggested that drums do not qualify as a musical instrument “by definition.”
For longtime followers of KISS, the statement reopened old conversations about respect, credit, and the complex dynamic between the band’s original members. While disagreements among the group are nothing new, Simmons’ wording struck a nerve, especially given the central role rhythm plays in rock music.
Criss chose to address the claim directly, offering a measured but firm response. Rather than turning the exchange personal, he focused on the broader point: the historical and musical importance of percussion, and why dismissing drums as non-musical misunderstands how music itself functions.
Peter Criss Pushes Back on the Definition of “Musical Instrument”
In his response, Criss made it clear that he considers drums very much an instrument, placing them within the percussion family that predates many modern forms of music. He pointed out that drums have long served as the rhythmic backbone of countless cultures and genres, from early ceremonial music to modern rock and jazz.
He also emphasized the practical role percussion plays in a band setting. According to Criss, drums provide structure, tempo, and energy, allowing other musicians to lock in and perform cohesively. Without that rhythmic foundation, the music loses its sense of movement and direction.
Criss reinforced his argument by stressing timekeeping as a defining musical function. Drums, he explained, create the framework that allows melodies, harmonies, and vocals to coexist. In that sense, percussion doesn’t merely accompany music—it shapes it.
Beyond the Drum Kit
The debate also brought renewed attention to the fact that Criss’s contributions to KISS extended well beyond drumming. As the creator of the Catman persona, he was a visible and creative force in the band’s early identity, both musically and visually.
Most notably, Criss served as lead vocalist on Beth, a track he co-wrote and performed. The song became one of KISS’s biggest commercial successes, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a People’s Choice Award. Its popularity demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences outside the confines of hard rock.
Recognition from fellow musicians further supports his standing. Drummers such as Mike Portnoy have praised Criss for his influence and distinctive style, while his 2014 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with KISS solidified his place in rock history. Taken together, these accomplishments make it difficult to dismiss his musicianship—by any definition.
