Peter Criss left the band three times: He first left in 1980 to pursue a solo musical career. In his 2012 memoir, Criss records how he intentionally sabotaged three of the band's final stage performances before his eventual departure.
Criss reunited with Kiss in 1996 for the band’s Alive/Worldwide Tour. However, he was not welcomed back as an actual member; instead, he was considered a paid-on contract member who was paid substantially less than others who were considered full members. He left in 2001 due to a contractual disagreement with the band.
He returned again in 2002, appearing on the Kiss Symphony Alive IV DVD/CD and touring with the band during the Rocksimus Maximus Tour with Aerosmith. After the tour, Criss left the band for the third time.