Peter Criss SUCKS?? Try Playing His Most Famous Beat!

[@skatertrev7]

Those first 4 KISS records have tons of hidden gems. Some of Gene's basslines are fantastic too.

[@brianraap8543]

Agreed. Gene's playing was awesome in those days. Plus he did those lines and sung.

[@williambain2646]

The baselines really show the Beatles influence that the bass carries it’s own countermelody rather than following the song.

[@pdxpete48]

I agree. I just saw a video the other day about Gene not liking his singing part on 'Iwas made for loving you' I thought yeah it's kind of boring but then you hear those bass licks and it just rocks!

[@don-music]

agree... back when Gene cared about playing bass, he was a great bassist, much more interesting to listen to than paul's guitar playing....

[@davideskelin5807]

I love the debut album because of the bass.

[@loganscheivert8778]

Love the fact you're acknowledging Peter's brilliant subtleties. His 70s drumming was so tasty. Shame people fail to recognize it as much as he deserves

[@KISStributeNYC97]

So true. I think as time has passed, he has been getting more and more recognition for what he brought to the band.

[@RobbyBloodshed]

Love to see the November Coming Fire album cover as a profile picture on a random video 👌🏼

[@keithcamardelle739]

Yep, agreed, Peter does not get the recognition he deserves most of the time. I'm 57, been playing drums since about age 11, and I always tell people that Peter Criss taught me how to play drums, he just didn't know it! While no one would ever put him up there with Peart or Bonham, he was the right guy for KISS, and the formula worked! So awesome to see someone this guy's age recognizing the genius of an underrated and sometimes bashed drum legend!

[@benthomas8765]

I love Peter. Became a kiss fan in 2000 at 15, and started drums because of him. Was lucky to see him that same year on the real farewell tour.

[@tisbonus]

Late 70's is Anton Fig.

[@HORRORHUNTER1031]

Thanks for recognizing his skills. He's one of my favorites drummers. Had the pleasure to meet him. He's also a nice guy as well!

[@syx9986]

Peter took drum lessons from Gene Krupa himself. A lot of people don't realize he's a jazz drummer playing heavy rock. This is the main style difference between him and the other drummers in KISS.

[@LouieLouie3]

His boyhood friend drummer Jerry Nolan (New York Dolls) also gave him some drumming tips.

[@burntvirtue]

The Gene Krupa story has been repeated for years, but is actually of questionable veracity unfortunately. Either way Peter turned out great.

[@Bona19646]

It’s interesting though, to hear Paul Stanley speak of Peter Criss’s abilities, he excoriates him, as not even knowing the basic parts of a song. Paul mercilessly criticizes Peter in his book.

[@tikitorturedmf]

No he didn’t. Nevertheless, he’s great!

[@waltervillalba1000]

Jazz? Mmm...

[@matcoffidis1135]

I love the drumming on Shock Me. It's a really creative part. It's a shame the classic lineup lasted as short as it did. To me, that's when Kiss sounded the best..

[@mh2120]

The drums on Shock Me were played by Anton Fig, at least for the studio recording. Peter did a pretty solid version live on Alive II, however.

[@dankfingers]

​@@mh2120I don't think that's Anton. Some of the drum fills are more intricate than what Peter would usually play but the overall feel sounds like Peter to me.

[@chuckgatlin3203]

I didn’t think Anton played on anything until Ace’s solo record.

[@LazloRolka]

@@mh2120 Anton did NOT play on shock me. Its peter.

[@dennisgallant9411]

@@mh2120 Nope it's Peter not Anton. Anton didn't appear on a Kiss band LP until Dynasty and of course he plays on all of Ace's solo LP.

[@SoloSi2024]

Same goes for Ace. Listen to the solos on Alive. Unmistakable and no one else on the planet could achieve that feel and tone.

[@robertcrawford8923]

Ace's solos on Alive II are good as well. Shock Me one of his best IMO.

[@MountainsBreath]

Kiss sucks

[@skollybob]

Don't be silly There's a hundred on KZbin alone could play Ace. Go watch Igor Paspalj

[@triplej8666]

lol we are not talking about some dude with crazy good technique, we are talking about the feel and tone of ace, no one can recreate that, theres hundreds of covers online, but none sound like ace@@skollybob

[@thebeetbandit1732]

My favorite version of Let me go rock n roll is the Alive! version because I love how much they added to the song's live version. Ace makes a mistake or two lol and it's still my favorite version as it is.

[@bassmanjohn7237]

Peter's early drumming kicked butt! Plus, I always loved his vocals too!

[@Hauri1972]

Beth was and to this day is one of my favorite songs

[@supersonicT]

Black Diamond, 'nuff said.

[@kevinchandler179]

He is my absolute favorite drummer ever, and if you U-tube any old school Kiss and see his drum solos, absolutely fantastic!! Jungle rhythm and jazz filled riffs and he has this unique big band swing thing and he was actually technically sound, and instilled it into Rock and Roll!!! Team Peter

[@dennispugh2472]

Glad to see someone agreeing with me I like his vocals better than Paul's

[@dennispugh2472]

@Seba Tarth you are 100 percent correct .way better than Paul Stanley

[@markdawsonziglar9436]

The “Peter Criss shuffle” works for me. I’ve been able to run through that 100,000 Years drum solo in my head for years. Peter was always underestimated, but he and Ace were really the true musicians in the band.

[@jayhudson4666]

Facts!!!

[@stinkypinkeee5085]

Gene is an excellent bassist...listen to the isolated bass line on "Save Your Love" from 'Dynasty'...I don't even know how he thought of it, but it is awesome...

[@scottd2605]

You're right Gene Simmons baseline is real simple Paul Stanley's rhythm is simple Ace frehley was a hell of a guitarist switching from rhythms of the lead Peter Criss's awesome drummer he deserve a lot more credit the original lineup Gene-Paul Ace Peter is the best lineup they had.

[@scottd2605]

@@stinkypinkeee5085 simple baseline hey great bassist has a guitar with no frets

[@frankieshankly5368]

Thats true but none of them would be anything without each other, one could also say they were the true alcohol/drug-addicts in the band

[@kristgeo]

Peter Criss is the reason I began taking drum lessons as a kid. That live version of the song was always one of my favorites.

[@arronjoseph8340]

This video is literally pound for pound why Peter Criss is one of my all time favorite drummers and why I love his drumming so much. Down to the fact he’s talking about the same exact beat I love by him so much and even calling it the “Criss Shuffle” himself

[@ashblossomandjoyoussprung.9917]

There's a real irony in this because, at the time, this particular song would eventually lead to him being kicked out of the band. He played the drum part, but he didn't actually come up with it, the producer came up with the drum parts and had to teach Peter how to play them, which he struggled with. So, on the Destroyer album you had Peter playing these amazing groovy drum parts that were taught to him by the producer of the album, and recording a hit song with him on vocals that was written by a friend of his. So, he had an ego that was both earned a d unearned. The solo albums were what really killed his time in the band because the members were introduced to session musicians that could play the parts without the ego. Apparently Peter became insufferable towards the end, mainly because of Beth being the band's biggest pop hit.

[@arronjoseph8340]

He played the same shuffle beat on alive one and the first kiss album waaaay before destroyer. His drumming on the first alive album is some of the most raw crazy drumming I’ve heard. And I mean that in the best way. But I do know the whole story of that. I read all the original members books and he certainly had a big ego come the late 70’s. Still wouldn’t downplay his playin in his prime

[@TheSylvanpass]

Nice job. I think much of what Peter Criss did on those early albums was unique and solid and certainly not pedestrian. He doesn't get his due. Thank you for this.

[@duane8829]

Drugs really took a toll on him in his later years with kiss

[@roquefortfiles]

His drumming on Alive is fabulous!! Really a show piece. The solo on 100,000 is amazing.

[@jayrudie1600]

Probably my favorite drum solo of all time, to this day I will play it for people who weren't necessarily Kiss fans and they are taken aback by it

[@craigcampbell2905]

Does your album say "100,000" too, like mine, instead of "100,000 Years?" I always wondered if that would make it a valuable collectors' item.

[@RonGohring]

I once.had an album that had the KISS Asylum album on Side One and John Cougar Mellencamp on Side Two. That mighr have been worth something. It was a misprint by the record company that they were with at the time, Mercury Records.

[@timmycooper2504]

Eddie Kramer actually even said that Peter's drums were the least edited part on Kiss Alive. He is an amazing drummer and has inspired so many drummers today. He is a legend and no one can take that from him, not even Gene and Paul lol. Long live the true one and only Catman.

[@DanYule55]

He was probably the best on his instrument out of the 4.

[@HankFinkle11]

@@DanYule55 funny

[@BillBlazejowski]

@@DanYule55 Ace was the best musician from the start.

[@flyingburritobro68]

I’ve heard that but on the next album Destroyer Bob Ezrin the producer had trouble getting Criss to play anything usable. By the time they got to Dynasty they were using session guys like Anton Fig as Criss was so bad

[@nebbyscumbold]

@@flyingburritobro68 That's not true. Peter Criss was not a great drummer by any means, but he was good enough to be in that band from the start. He was part of a signed band called Chelsea before he was in KISS anyway. There was nothing bad about Peter Criss' drumming at all, he just wasn't a virtuoso like Ginger Baker or Keith Moon. In fact he was probably a better drummer than Paul Stanley was a guitarist. Bob Ezrin complained about ALL of the band as he felt they were poor musicians, even Ace (who was undeniably the most technically gifted of the four); he was astounded that they didn't even know how to tune their instruments. By the time they got to Dynasty Peter Criss had gotten into a serious car accident so was physically unable to play. By KISS Unmasked he had fallen out of favour with the band. You can glean this information by reading all of their autobiographies; Peter Criss' is by far the best of the four by the way.

[@MrMetalclay]

I always think about Parasite. Funny thing is that I heard Anthrax cover first. When I heard the Kiss version, I was blown away, that groove is very alluring

[@bigdaddy2123]

Watchin you live is good too

[@cvr527]

I love Parasite.

[@michealpersicko9531]

parasite is closer to an Aerosmith song than a kiss song though so the groove is no surprise. it feels like Joe Perry wrote it.

[@coldacre]

Criss is a killer drummer! his groove on "Dr Love" is amazing. listen to the isolated tracks. SO much swing & groove. what he plays on "She" is incredible. so much energy. Cat-Man forever!

[@MobiusBandwidth]

swings because he's a jazz cat at heart. no pun intended.

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

100,00 years from alive1 is my absolute favorite live Kiss recording of all time. Pete’s drums,Paul’s vocal delivery, Aces guitar licks,all gold……

[@Invictus13666]

Lol “live recording”

[@mikesmith3342]

@@Invictus13666 Umm, you can also watch live videos, for example the excellent Cobo Hall stuff from January 1976.

[@Invictus13666]

@@mikesmith3342 whenever people begin a reply with “umm” I simply have zero idea what they’re attempting to communicate, as the remaining words aren’t read. If you think your comment important or interesting, try again without the ridiculous affect.

[@rediron44]

​@@Invictus13666 how about just not be a dick? If you aren't a fan, simply don't watch the video, and go away..

[@rediron44]

KISS Alive is one of the best live albums of all time..

[@dancunningham6175]

Peter Criss was my first drum hero. His parts seem so simple until you start to understand all of the nuance. Really fun songs to play at any skill level.

[@thiccboi4281]

​@James Rudd I don't know I think what he said is pretty logical. Peter criss is a decent enough drummer and he's definitely got a good few beats under his belt so I don't see why someone who knows about drumming wouldn't enjoy him.

[@Voitcu]

@@thiccboi4281 Name a player worse than Peter Criss if he's so good then, I'll wait...And while your at it, you can do the same for every band member. Like Ace is such a great guitar layer LOL

[@tombrowne1251]

Peter Criss was the real deal back in the day.He has influenced so many amazing drummers .His drumming on the first six Kiss records changed the rock world.

[@williamtaylor9368]

Sorry Bro, Bill Ward and Ian Paice changed the rock world followed by John Bonham.

[@kevinstrong8265]

@@williamtaylor9368 Well, 3 people agree with ya. I give them all their do, but you don't. Peter Criss was a bad ass drummer in the 70's.

[@beatlesrgear]

@@williamtaylor9368 Hey, don't forget Mitch Mitchell and Ginger Baker.

[@captainjefferies9047]

@@williamtaylor9368 You think those guys are Bonham's league? Ward copied Bonham. Paice is irrelevant.

[@marramamberta321]

​@@captainjefferies9047 Paice was perfection.

[@renemies78]

The drum fills that he plays on the Alive! version of "Got To Chose" are so damn good. I've never even attempted to play it because it's too difficult for me. Glad Peter Criss, Ringo Starr, and Lars Ulrich get some love from you on your channel!

[@Provos7777]

It's insane how much people dog them.

[@RockoEstalon]

@@Provos7777 The thing with Lars isn't that he was a bad drummer in the compositinos, the issue is that he's always off time live (maybe he played tighter when he was younger).

[@minibikegarage1577]

Lars straight up sucks ass bro, any one who has any musical knowledge whatsoever knows his fills suck and he can't keep time for shit.

[@Lopez-my1bo]

​@RockoEstalon lars stopped practicing during the mid 90s probably due to him being more than a drummer for the band. He has his moments in recent times tho

[@Nissardpertugiu]

​@@Lopez-my1boIts not just stop practicing. You think when you play 3 hour set on 3 years straight tours have non impact physically and mentally ?

[@Stevo_Drums]

Peter absolutely inspired me! He was my “Ringo Starr” but about a decade later. I was 9 when K I⚡️⚡️Alive was released, and man that was exciting!

[@AlmostReady504]

Makes total sense. 👍🏻

[@JamesSteeleProjectVideos]

Thank you for posting this! When this video started I just knew you were going to talk about the groove in Detroit Rock City. I played in cover bands years ago with several different drummers and maybe ONE of them actually got this right. It never quite felt the way it should. Hats off to Peter.

[@rdgSWwot]

Thank you Mike for sharing this video. Peter Criss deserves more respect. I took one drum lesson from Peter years back during his visit to Charlotte, NC. It was in 1994 when he did a small tour in support of his album Cat #1. Well before the reunion. I worked at NBC News at the time (network). His management team invited me down to see the show as we had NBC News Channel based there in Charlotte off Billy Graham (it's still there right beside WCNC). Still have the signed LP, a few pics and video of me with him.. and signed sticks he played that night. Peter played this show at The Capri, an old movie theater off E. Independence that opened in 1964. Today it's a Hertz Car Sales. Back then, Peter's band came in from the right side of the theater. His tour bus was in this huge parking lot. He did a soundcheck. I was there filming and had a chance to interview him. He walked me around his kit and showed me several old jazz tricks. He did use his "Peter Criss Shuffle" (lol I love that you tagged that in your video!). Several tricks he used in his drum solo that night. He played "UNDER" the kit.. shell shots and cymbal shots in an upward strike without giving up timing / tempo. Not sure if you've seen The Rippingtons (contemporary jazz band headed up by Russ Freeman - big in the late 80s and 90s). Their drummer did a walk-around stick solo -- keeping the groove on the kit, off the kit, down onto the stage floor, around the kit and back to the kit. Peter did a version of this that night. He was amazing to watch. Sadly, the show was a total bomb. The Capri had a 995 capacity limit. The Capri used to have seats.. but at that time it was mainly open floor standing room. That night, less than 100 people showed up to see Peter. They missed a true pro playing jazz grooves mixed into 70s/80s rock style. It was a hard rocking show with Beth being the only slow/ballad style number. He's a true artist and yeah, Gene Krupa is evident in everything Peter plays. THANKS MIKE for all you do!

[@r.g.armstrong2688]

Great story, thanks. Did you talk some about Eric Carr?

[@23ograin53]

You can really hear it during the guitar solo. It's just great drumming. Gene Simmons actually complemented Peter not long ago saying that the drummers who have played in KISS after Peter had more technical ability but "no one in rock swings like Peter Criss."

[@hawkeyeted]

He was being nice to Peter.

[@MobiusBandwidth]

@@hawkeyeted it was sincere though.

[@don-music]

Peter was a fantastic RnB and Rock drummer..... and he was a HELL of a lead and harmony vocalist as well.... great to hear this...

[@rollinjukebox]

Huh? Peter couldn’t sing his way out of a wet paper sack.

[@_Common_Logic_]

@@rollinjukebox - You can't deny his soft "ballad" vocals and certainly not his ability to harmonize... As far as chewing through the paper sack goes, I think he's done that too, on occasion. More than your average drummer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpa4oKaYeNGUnZo&ab_channel=KISSbestfan

[@caelidhg6261]

one of my favorite KISS Songs is Black Diamond..

[@basketcase6999]

@@rollinjukebox Are we talking about the same Peter here? Widely regarded as the best voice in Kiss?

[@biguglytrux7771]

@@rollinjukebox come on dude. that's what made peter's voice cool. how about baby driver and hard lick woman? it's a tough wild somebody bout to get hurt scratchy screamin vocal

[@andrewpappas9311]

Peter has always been an underrated drummer in my opinion, the dude was a great player and his parts really helped define early KISS

[@KISStributeNYC97]

Yes! Thank you!

[@bwalmsley5087]

I loved Kiss and always thought that flanger effect was the coolest thing ever. Made the drums sound like a jet airplane. My first album I got was Dynasty and first cassette was Alive 1. Good memories!!

[@michaelcantley9843]

Got in to Kiss in 78, Peter's drumming on early Kiss stuff was fantastic. I always liked that shuffle/big band swing groove he would do. Definitely a huge part of the early Kiss sound and style. Thank you for highlighting how good Peter's stuff is.

[@gilbertspader7974]

As a kid in NY I saw these guys at bars and it was amazing !!!!! I have never heard a recording of them that touched the power and excitement as them live.

[@sageguitar70]

GenXer Kiss fan here. Nobody thought Peter sucked in the 70s. Only in the internet age did this trash talk come about.

[@whitlowjohnonly1_2]

Folks have bern ripping on Peter Criss years before Al Gore invented the internets. Same with Ringo. I've heard some fairly ugly insults about Peter over the last 40+ years.

[@beatnicksodyssey]

The hate has probably always been there. The internet just made it easier to be heard.

[@oldskolacura9798]

@whitlowjohnonly1_2 Just how many Internets is there?

[@brianraap8543]

Peter was a beast in his day. The band was on point in the early/ mid 70's. Thanks for acknowledging him.

[@noahs7700]

Great video Mike. Peter Criss is my favorite Drummer of all time. It’s upsetting when Paul and Gene or anybody call him a bad Drummer.

[@Tedanson]

I've never heard anyone criticize his playing more than his own band members

[@j4r193]

@@Tedanson The reunion tour ...yeah, Peter sucked. He was great and I grew up defending him on being one of the best because of that solo. There is footage out that he crippled KISS because he wanted out the first time. When Eric Carr came in, I didn't care for but grew into enjoying what he did. He took it to another level like Eric Singer does with his amazing work at it. Peter was just great for that time and still one of my favorite drummers. Good or bad...KISS has always had that love-hate relationship that keeps each other in that lime and it sells.

[@timshanemelton]

Yeah, whenever that movie " Whiplash " was released. I automatically think of Peter Chris because of the quotes I heard of Paul Stanley's audiobook

[@boarhog1979]

That's because he is. He is a garbage drummer

[@dalethelander3781]

​@@j4r193 Eric Carr pounded the skins like they owed him money.

[@danedearmond4905]

Peter Criss is the guy who got me into being a amateur drummer as a kid growing up. As a kid, he proved to me you don't have to be the flashy-ist and out there drummer to be an effective and solid drummer. Sometimes keeping it a little more "tame" allows the other band members a chance to shine.

[@huntersutton5489]

Peter Criss is my favorite drummer and one of my favorite singers.

[@rickgrijalva9239]

Peter Criss is legendary - I think people should never talk bad about this awesome drummer - Peter Criss shuffle - very cool

[@DRUMTOY2002]

AMEN, I AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY!!!

[@patrickwilliamson29]

He sucked, not even Peter kris wants to be Peter kris

[@tainteddreams9117]

​​@@patrickwilliamson29And you think you're better? I sense jealousy in this comment because people like you who bash great drummers like Peter Criss is just jealous.

[@justempty7036]

@@tainteddreams9117 He is Just salty.I also saw his comment in the phill rud video .People like this tries to Cover up their Failures by shitting on other peoples successes.

[@kentuckyhiker7071]

KISS is my all time favorite rock band. The original line up cannot be beat. All 4 members brought something unique to the band, and that is what made them so great!! Thanks for sharing!

[@robertkroberjr.157]

I love the first "Alive" album! I also had it on 8-track! 😎✌️

[@mickster4455]

That was my very first album as a teen... and still have it! Their best album by far in my opinion.

[@ufmwc]

Yes!! Great job and killer breakdown of this groove. PC was brilliant in his day. That drum solo launched a million drummers.

[@briankoncyk3379]

Thanks for covering Peter and enlightening those that may not have known how awesome Peter's early stuff was! So many people back in the day did know how good he was and that is why so many were influenced by him. Great job!

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Some have pointed out 2 details: The use of a phaser instead of a flanger and the extra hat hits. Here's a link to the "addendum video" where I teach the missed hi-hat detail. Thanks to everyone who wrote in to let me know about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3XHYYqAoMZ_j5o

[@musicalgroovesaucet.v.1789]

The Purdie shuffle mixed with a Bonham shuffle became the Porcarro shuffle and has nothing to do with Peter’s shuffle. I think his main argument is that people bash Peter because they parrot Gen and Paul’s ba over the years. The fact is Peter was an awesome drummer. What I find amusing is that Paul wanted a “Bonhamesque” drummer but he was no Jimmy Page 😂

[@jroberts2nd]

@@machinebeard1639Why the fuck is he gonna talk about John Bonham in a video about a Peter Criss drum part that’s more difficult to play than it sounds?

[@bigbaby9189]

Really? That’s unreal!

[@hkguitar1984]

Great breakdown of what Mr. Criss is actually doing. Back in the late 1970s the Drummer in the band I was in had a bit of difficulties with a few of the KISS songs, like yourself he was adamant about getting the groove/beat exact. Great Content, Thank You.

[@rador9745]

Good work digging into that groove. You predicted correctly that you’d get a response when you named it. The bottom line is ghost notes in a shuffle sound cool and they are fun to play regardless of what you call it. Cheers

[@2728muzikmann]

Also during the guitar solo on Detroit Rock City, add his little double hits on the kick at the same time. He always played what the song needed. Guys that do that never get the recognition they deserve.

[@redrick8900]

The ones who are good at it do.

[@davidag90]

Most people fail to understand theorical complexity of a part it's just a bit of what it gives credit to a musician's performance. To fully measure what the player is doing, you have to also take into account the amount of time you'll be required to sustain that, the subtleties and intentions needed, the stamina to perform well, the stress or even excessive emotion of being playing alive in great scenarios like this kind of artists does. And in the end, what you're playing must sound effortless, solid and send the message that you're comfortable doing it. Acquire that level of control over the instrument is absolutely hard. My full respect to every drummer capable to do that for years.

[@saldesiano4795]

We all used to go watch this band called Eden Rock in my neighborhood in Brooklyn, we were a young group starting out and was in awe of the drummer. It was Pete, a three piece band and Pete did all the singing. Such a nice guy to us young players. We learned a lot from them.

[@2mrwario]

You should talk about this in a video, would make for an interesting watch

[@toddmartin3617]

Man, that is an awesome story!

[@rickgangi3824]

Peter Criss had the best feel of all the Kiss drummers... A lot of soul.

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

why does KIZZ go through so many drummers?

[@michaelbrown3128]

I think it's cool you named it The Peter Criss shuffle!! I grew up loving Kiss and still love the original Kiss albums. I also play drums and could play that beat, but your right, there was always that ghost note or I thought something extra was going on with the bass drum or something. I still don't think Peter Criss is that great but most of them were his drumming and great for him because there is sometimes nothing like listening to old kiss albums man!🤘

[@markr.devereux3385]

I always liked that groove also. Songs like LOVE HER ALL I CAN and COLD GIN seem solid also.

[@brianmckenzie1318]

I enjoyed this! KISS may not have consisted of master technical musicians, but it's the sum of all the parts that made them successful. Serve the song whether it's simple or complicated. There is room for everybody out there, pains me to see people who rip on musicians that have made it.

[@philrogersmusician6078]

He's a great drummer. Peter Criss did one of the best, if not the best, drum solos i have ever heard 100,000 years

[@sebg2086]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@captainjefferies9047]

He's okay.

[@frank.l181]

Try Ian Paice from deep Purple, would wipe the floor with him. KISS were not great musicians except for Ace frealy.

[@erics9754]

@@frank.l181 Ian Paice was a fantastic drummer i like them both but you underestimate Peter. He had a shuffle and groove that was better than anyone's in my opinion . Everyone defines a great drummer differently it seems. What this really is about is your favorite drummer anyone who has one will declare them the best. Opinions are like assholes everyones got one.

[@SloaneHomeAlone]

You know who says musicians suck? People who can't play an instrument.

[@mikewilliams7563]

Exactly I'm learning acoustic guitar learning it on your own is tough

[@foto21]

Correction....people who aren't in successful bands.

[@toddfarrow9541]

Bingo!

[@markcuster3803]

Well put bro stay well God Bless peace

[@DebbieandEddieBFF]

TRUTH

[@kissarmythings]

So many people hate on KISS and their "lack of talent and musical ability" but it takes people like you who actually knows what's going to break it down. As a drummer myself, this video was helpful. And I loved hearing that flanger effect, it really did sound like KISS Alive! 🔥 Great video as always. Thanks!

[@DB-kl9bp]

Anyone who says Kiss lacks talent and musical ability is completely clueless and has no musical knowledge at all.

[@myprivateyoutube1440]

Y'all need to expand your musical palate if you think Criss is anything other than average. And that's being generous.

[@mikeg2491]

@@DB-kl9bppeople forget it’s entertainment at the end of the day. Look at Jimmy Buffet, most of his songs were kitschy but he made millions smile and gave them a good time sucking down booze at concerts, isn’t that what it’s all about? Not everyone musician aspires to be the next Beatles.

[@kevinstrong8265]

@@myprivateyoutube1440 All good rock bands use 4 to 5 chords. You progressive rockers. You lose me with all of your talent 😄

[@kevinstrong8265]

@@mikeg2491 Are you trying to say the Beatles weren't a 3 chord band? lol Come on man, really. All rock and roll is simple. Not everyone wants to play progressive rock and I tell you now not everyone wants to hear it either.

[@200mphblackvette]

Thanks for a great video! This was the very first Kiss song I ever heard after finding Alive! in my uncles stack of records in 1976. I put the needle on this song because I thought it was a cool title. It made such a huge impact and influenced me to start playing drums at 7 years old. I'm now 51. I practiced that song literally thousands of times. Thanks for giving him props.

[@stevesmith3556]

I play guitar, and I'm always amazed at how good some professional musicians are at adding little things that beef up the sound. Things you think are easy, turn out to be very difficult if you want to get it right.

[@jameatermeany]

The main thing you hear with these guys, Peter, Ringo, Ace, Keith, Jimi etc etc even your Eddies and Bonzos are they were the first! They were my influence, they were the innovators…. Respect! 😎

[@generay6807]

Great video. I took to the drums because of Peter in the 70’s. He’s still a fave today. Thanks for doing this

[@krisskriss1223]

Who hate Criss drumming know nothing about drumming...

[@sethputnamsghost]

👍

[@adamfindlay7091]

His rhythm is really tight but also playful and creative.

[@DJNurseAnnabella]

Kiss haters suck period lol they dont know shit about music.

[@claygt1966]

Exactly! 👍​@@DJNurseAnnabella

[@deadreckoningplot]

Peter influenced a lot of young drummers including me. I got my first kit (Ludwig) when Kiss Alive came out. Btw, Kiss re-recorded and dubbed a lot of the vocals and guitars in the studio for Alive but kept Peter’s drum tracks that were recorded live.

[@MobiusBandwidth]

there's no way to know the numbers, but it's reasonable to guess he inspired thousands of people to take up drumming.

[@briannelson8373]

Great analysis. My favorite Peter Criss song is Black Diamond, but it's for the vocals. Always thought his vocal sound was the quintessential 70s hard rock voice.

[@arcwiz]

Even as someone who doesn't like much KISS, Black Diamond is one of those great songs that would be praised more, if another band wrote it. Have you heard the Bathory cover? Quorothon does it justice

[@getaway19]

Wonderful video, and a clear, detailed example of how KISS' musicianship is far more nuanced and dynamic than they're usually given credit for!! Thanks so much for making and uploading this!! I'm not good at using the correct terminology, so apologies in advance for the poor description, but the way Peter plays this beat in "100,000 Years" is a slight variation that includes an additional stroke on the hi-hat at the end of the beat!! That extra stroke is absolutely essential for giving the song its continuous, looping feel rather than the somewhat stop/start (yet swinging) groove of "Detroit Rock City"!! I absolutely LOVE the way Peter makes "100,000 Years" swing harder than a monkey let loose in a hall of chandeliers!! So therefore I'm surprised that absolutely everybody else I've heard, including Eric Singer (who I otherwise rate as highly as Peter) plays "100,000 Years" without that extra detail on the hi-hat!! Approx. 2:45 into this video you'll be able to clearly see (and hear) what I've clumsily described above: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3aveHabjbWLf9ksi=q5Em1E4U2RQSQhZp&t=164

[@The_shape_007]

Glad someone finally took the time to showcase some of the cool stuff he brought to the table, as a drummer myself I want to also point out another song that I think is overlooked (in terms of the drums)is parasite from alive, he plays it so fast but so tasty at the same time, super hard to replicate

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Some of throes fills! 🔥

[@bls8959]

Peters gotta be the most underrated drummer...he has so money iconic beats

[@dplunk13]

Big KISS fan but never really been a Peter fan. Part of that is hearing a lot of them from the reunion tour on, during which I think Peter just sounds like age has really caught up to him. But I appreciate you pointing out something cool about his original drumming. The Alive II version of Detroit Rock City feels just a bit quicker tempo than the album version. So even more impressive.

[@Rancidbadger]

Nice! Topper Headon from The Clash was awesome but weirdly underrated at the time too. I think people assume from the genre that it’s basic and I love how you break down what’s actually going on to give it that feel

[@damianb2374]

There's loads of examples from the punk/new wave era. Rick Buckler from the Jam is monstrous but probably won't come up in too many internet discussions too. As no-one cared back then, just got on with it.

[@spamwagon]

It's nice to see Topper mentioned - he really is an excellent drummer and multi-instrumentalist. It's a shame his substance issues tripped-up the Clash. From everything I've seen and read Topper seems to have been the best musician in the band. I think he was a jazz player before the Clash. Seen him playing Big Band stuff.

[@asymptoticspatula]

I've learned that a good rule of thumb is that these are PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS, no matter how you look at it, they are almost all absolutely fantastic at what they're doing, especially the older ones who have been touring for decades.

[@igor2301]

Having watched some of these with Purdie, Peart, Pocaro etc have realized just how important ghost notes are, really drives the groove/beefs up the sound. AVH another underrated guy who can shuffle hard.

[@joeltempleton1041]

Peter's drumming on Parasite, was the first song I heard from them, when it was new. I was young, but that is still one of my favorite tunes from them.

[@Mellie]

Thanks for this video. A lot of metal heads discount Peter as a drummer. Those who have more knowledge understand he had a jazz background which didn't always translate to that metal head mentality. Eric Carr and Singer are great metal drummers but Peter's unique abilities are wasted on those who don't have the ear for it.

[@willwozniak2826]

Exactly...

[@sfdoyle]

Absolutely thank you for acknowledging that! I stand behind the yet sounding simplicity yet more difficult to pull off than people realize. Malcolm Young!

[@larryhowell3971]

Check out Baracuda. Michael DeRosier's gallop on the single kick along with snare ghost hits. Like Peter 's beat, not too many guys can pull that off correctly, especially for a whole song....

[@TheNoladrummer]

Peter Criss’ drumming style replicates the Spang-a-lang rhythm of Jazz, using the entire kit to compete with the volume of the guitars. His best stuff breaks into triplets. When I heard 100,000 Years, it sounded familiar to the Big Band Swing records that my Grandmother played for me. To this day, I still love listening to his edge-of-his-seat, balls-of-his-feet drumming, in addition to all of the Swing drummers that he turned me on to.

[@corporalclegg914]

02:16 - did you hear that?! a lead guitar player actually said, “made me respect that groove a lot more.” amazing. guitar players may be entering their own stone age

[@rlgotting]

Thanks for pointing this out. I always play this on bar jukeboxes when I get the chance. Incredible groove.

[@Korsfestelse]

Nice! The one thing you missed (at least from the excerpt) was the shuffled hi-hats on beats 2 and 4. Not familiar with the song but I definitely heard the slapback effect you mentioned happening in the hi-hat part, so it ended up playing 1 2-trip 3 4-trip!

[@jackkorte4130]

Yes the high hats is different. I hope this young man redoes it with the proper highest hit

[@TheArtofGuitar]

I watched Peter do the beat on a video and he does open the hat between hits. I demoed this at the end of my video real quick.

[@RickLangford-yy9ne]

Umm I think he did. I think you missed it!

[@fidoflint]

@@TheArtofGuitar You & @Korsfestelse are both correct; Peter generally does pedal quarter notes with his left foot, but he *also* sticks the hi-hat on the first AND second notes of the triplets of beats 2 & 4. Great video, though--I love when you get behind the kit. Other folks in the comments have mentioned the Alive! version of "Parasite", but another Catman part chock-full of subtleties that deserve scrutiny is the studio version of "Calling Dr. Love"; Pete's feet carry the first two choruses before he gives us variations. For those first 4 years of KIϟϟtory, Peter was their secret weapon.

[@bigwillie5717]

Cool video for a guy who rarely gets props from other drummers, Criss. As a burgeoning drummer when I sanded 2 twigs down for drum sticks to air drum to the radio when I was 8 y/o back in ‘77, KISS Alive II was my intro to Peter’s awesome live playing. Very underrated.

[@oscarernestoroberts4190]

About the cow bell he gave his tips : "don't know if you like the "Cow Bells" but, I love them. Right from the start I played with a cow bell, because Gene Krupa did. Later in my music career, Hard Rock and Latin, The Bell. Some bass player in Nashville, Alan Woody said "Man your hell on the bell." I like mine right in the middle of my bass drum, but you can set one on a stand or put it where ever it feels good. EP makes the best. Try it. The sound of a cow bell and snare drum rule!" Krupa, lemme humbly remind you, was one of the best jazz drummers who started as a kid back in 1933.

[@plonky17]

Peter Criss has always been a great drummer with a great shuffle beat.

[@randallfranklin2548]

Peter Criss underrated drummer and vocalist!!! Kiss Alive blew my mind as a 10 year old….Still love it today!!!

[@Mick_Ts_Chick]

I've always liked it the best of all their albums. They sounded so much better live to me. Songs like Deuce and Detroit Rock City really are killer good.

[@markberkowitz1088]

I’m glad you pulled this apart… always loved those little ghost notes- glad you were able to show them off.

[@gjgp89]

THANK YOU! Look, he's my drum hero and the first drummer I ever became obsessed with. I believe it was HIM who made the KISS sound so unique. He wasn't a Rock drummer or a hard hitter. Paul always complains that he wasn't like Bonzo but if he was, their sound would have been more square/March-like and the cool thing about those first 8 KISS albums is that... it's Swing-y. If not, check either Eric playing his parts or even any KISS cover by major drummers and... they might be better Rock drummers or even virtuosos but non play it like Peter. Closest thing? Singer's drumming on Sonic Boom but not really. NOTHING against Eric Carr or Eric Singer (or Anton Fig SLAMING IT on Ace's solo album). What the both did on their eras was AMAZING and fitted the material PERFECTLY, but so did Peter on those first 8 albums. Now, on regards to his Shuffles: the simplest is Love Gun (which is literally what you thought he played on 100,000 Years at first) but indeed the two you mention are the HARD ONES! Specially the verses on Detroit Rock City with the open Hats and the double accent on the snare. What's also really cool's the triplets solo on 100,000 Years, which was written even in the demo for their first record. Everybody will obviously talk 'bout Shock Me and that fill with the open hats and the snare BUT my favorite fill of his (and I don't know if he borrowed it from someone else as he did with the Strutter opening from Gimmie Shelter) is the one that precedes the solo on Larger Than Life (studio track on Alive II): Flam on the Snare + kick (x4) and then 2 hits on the Toms. It's really simple BUT so powerful! Anyways, thank you for sharing your thoughts and acknowledging Peter Criss DRUMMING! I believe it to be a great injustice to ignore it 'cause maybe it wasn't as "standard" or "flashy", let alone overshadowing it with his personal life and/or struggles. Regards from Venezuela.

[@jond.2868]

Outstanding, you put every effort into explaining how it could've been misunderstood. You made me wish I was a drummer again. Thanks for this. And thanks to Peter Criss for creating an outstanding drum solo. Kiss Alive, really brought Kiss to the forefront.

[@kerijan2003]

Saw him doing it live in Moncton, N.B. (Canada) in 1977. It was my "first" real rock concert, and my 16 year old mind was completely blown. One would see/hear me trying to play that exact beat for months after. Best memory I've ever had. Thanks KISS, and thank you The-Art-of-Guitar for reminding me of my youth.

[@terrybeaud9348]

Very cool !! I love Criss as a drummer. I really really love Peter's intro to Ace's Shock Me on Alive 2. It's short, but sweet. Also, one of my very favorite live albums.

[@donfisherjr.2404]

Cool explanation for a great groove. Peter Criss is an underrated, but terrific, drummer!

[@parrotheadstx]

Excellent breakdown of 100,000 years. I'm 61, a drummer and played along to that album many times when it was first released. Finally - all of these years later - I get to witness the complexity of it all. You nailed it. 👏

[@danielklee2933]

It's good to see the younger people giving credence to the old school rockers. At the time, KISS were some of the pioneers to some of the modern metal. They weren't always the most technical like the modern high speed, intricate drummers like to be, but they rocked our butts off, and it was cool. I like that beat. I've been playing it for a long time. Cool stuff!

[@chonkmcghee]

Super underrated drummer for sure. Thanks for breaking that down!

[@kreuzzer2845]

Wonderful!!! Thank you very much! The drum solos of Peter Criss were the firstonesI had ever heard. So it is so great here to show his talent in creating good grooves. Thanks and greetings from Germany, KREUZZER!

[@brandonhoffman9202]

Yeah, very underrated. I would argue that the first three Kiss albums (Kiss and DTK especially) show the band at their best musically. The groove and pocket and some of those very early tunes were slamming. Love Her All I Can always comes to mind.

[@jumpinjojo]

He was rated exactly where he belongs.

[@HD4lyfe]

Hotter Than Hell has just as good of songs as KISS and DTK but damn that production was all wonky

[@sergiocarlos5395]

Peter Criss, my first "drumming teacher." And not in a personal way but as an influence on the drums. This "cat" is forever. 🤘😼

[@scotthanson4200]

peter criss in his prime 1970s was in my opion one of the best drummers in rock. with his famous chewing his gum, the baseball gloves he wore. he was an excellent drummer.

[@jeffhodge7272]

That whole "solo" on ALIVE! lasts about 8 minutes by the time he stops,then they resume the song.Still love that album. IDC what anyone says about talent. That album is in EVERY rock fans collection.FOREVER! 🤟

[@rok4200]

That's why I always liked Peters drumming most of all other Kiss drummers. He had that certain kind of "swing" to his drumming, not your typical straight power rock drumming. After all it's about music/emotions not technique.

[@JohnnyAGraves]

He was a jazz drummer

[@SalAvenueNJ]

I agree, it's very obvious he's inspired by jazz drummers.

[@chairmankaga101]

My favorite rock drummers all have a jazzy swing. Criss, Van Halen, Bonham, Baker, even Steven Adler. You can’t have a stiff but sexy groove. Speaking as a bassist, that’s no fun to play with. Swing it.

[@RickLangford-yy9ne]

@@JohnnyAGraves No he wasn't! He was a rock drummer influenced by jazz drummers!

[@scottcollins5060]

Thank you so very much for the love of everyone's favorite drumming CAT, .... Peter Criss. I saw you brother in 76' and 77' Greensboro, NC. Thanks for the show of a life time.

[@megiloth3634]

My intro to Peter Criss was KISS Alive II and the drum solo in God of Thunder. I was in 2nd grade and that totally turned me onto drums in the 70's. Obviously as a kid I didn't know it but he was a jazz/swing drummer before KISS, so a lot of his style comes right out of that. His solo album wasn't my favorite but it shows more of the jazzy style like his hero Gene Krupa.

[@dirtyburd71]

He always seems so relaxed when he plays. Fantastic voice too!

[@StarchieSkizzyx]

Yeah man…. Great analysis! Kiss had some very solid chops, without a lot of the tools and toys bands had later. I saw them three times in the late 70s, it as always a great show, full of energy and fun!

[@rocsaltjohn]

I think what people misunderstand about Peter Criss' drumming is that he had a Jazz-influenced feel which you can clearly hear in the earlier albums. Listen to Creatures of the Night and compare it to Rock and Roll Over or Dressed to Kill. It has a different feel and I believe that the drummer influenced that. Detroit Rock City, sorry to say, is a Bob Ezrin production. It's his beat that he taught Peter to play. If you listen to the demo, you can hear how different the single was.

[@hawaiian8213]

Gene's basslines are severely underrated, too. He does these little slides and "plucks" that everyone loves, but few notice. Thanks for giving the Catman some love ❤ 🤘

[@oogskskfn]

A lot of those records aren’t Gene. For instance Detroit rock City is a session bassist and not Gene

[@Destin65]

Yah, I'd say the Destroyer and Alive II eras had Kiss on top of the world and one of the best bands in the world with excellent musicianship at every position. But, sadly, something happened by the time they entered the 80s and some of the magic was lost.

[@leopardus1201]

​@@Destin65Lol, the make-up era is one of the richest musically and technically, it's magical in another way and kicks ass as much as the classic years of the 70s.

[@ronjames4151]

Gene is mediocre bass player in a horrible band

[@ollietamuff3340]

@@ronjames4151 Take away the sideshow and gimmicks and you have a garage band.

[@kevztunz]

I've never understood the hate musicians give Kiss. They were all rock-solid players, Paul Stanley has one of the great rock voices (soul PLUS growl), Ace had such a nice touch and sensibility, and every song is an ear worm. And they did this all while breathing fire on platform shoes. Seriously, these guys are brilliant.

[@frankboyd.]

Most successful musicians don't criticize other musicians. It's usually those who'll remain unknown.

[@mikejaxn]

Peter's drumming, before I started playing myself in the early 80's, is what really stood out to me as I became a fan of the band in the mid-70's - especially his kick patterns (as I later figured out) and the speed and accuracy of his rolls and fills across the snare and toms. I didn't know technically what I was hearing, but I did know it stood out from almost every other "famous" drummer at that time. I really hated that the drugs/alcohol seemed to take over his life and degrade his drumming skills later on.

[@czarguzman2927]

That was totally awesome. That drum solo of 100000 years totally blew me away when I first heard it. You pretty much nail it down to the point where it actually sounds just as good as Peter plays it. Kudos to you my friend and thanks for sharing. By the way your drumming is @$$ kicking🤘🥁🤘

[@ajo3085]

I guess you can say anything on the internet, but I've never seen anyone, ESPECIALLY Paul or Gene suggest Peter's drumming sucked in the early days of the band. His playing was every bit as vital to their sound as anyone else in the band but it didn't last. I have a huge bootleg collection and my challenge to the apologists is always simple. Go through the songs from 74-76 that were played on the 79 tour (King of the Night Time World, Let Me Go Rock & Roll, Calling Dr Love, Firehouse, God of Thunder, Shout It Out Loud, Black Diamond, Detroit Rock City and Rock & Roll All Nite) and find a version on a circulating Dynasty tour bootleg where he played one of them better than he did at any 74-76 show. I'm not even sure there's versions of the either of the songs from Love Gun (Christine Sixteen or the title track) that he played worse in 77/78 than any of the 79 performances. The guy was great in the early years but he wasted his talent and abilities very fast once Kiss got successful. Why so many fans want to suggest otherwise is bizarre.

[@charleshuntington4175]

You are so right about the solo (100,000yrs).. I live in the DC suburbs and go- go music is native here.. parts of the solo have that go-go drumming rhythm

[@HannahCope88]

🤘🏻🔥🤘🏻this was great! After watching that KISS quiz and now your video, I'm gonna switch out the Led Zeppelin 4 CD in my car for KISS Alive! For as long as I can remember I've heard people rip on Peter Criss, never understood it myself.