Peter Criss

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Peter Criss (born Peter George John Crisscuola, 20 December 1945, Brooklyn, New York) is an American musician, best known as "Cat Man", the drummer of the rock band KISS from 1973 to 1980 and from 1995 to 2000. He played Cat Man in Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park.
== Biography ==
As a youth, Peter Criss was influenced by the 1940s big band sound, and was quite keen on Gene Krupa's unique drumming style.
In early 1973, Criss placed an ad in the Village Voice stating, "Drummer willing to do anything to make it." The ad was noticed by two other aspiring musicians, and Criss successfully auditioned in front of bassist Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley and lead guitarist Ace Frehley. After mediocre success from their first three albums, Kiss Alive (a double live album) was released in 1974, and the roller coaster ride had begun! KISS were the most successful U.S. group in the late 1970s, with platinum-selling albums and sold-out stadium tours.
However, cracks soon appeared in the band. Criss left the group in 1980 and released two solo albums, Out of Control and Let Me Rock You, but they were commercial failures.
Criss successfully sued the National Enquirer in 1995 for falsely reporting that he was a homeless drunk living on the beach. The man featured in the Enquirer article was actually an impersonator named Chris Dickinson, whom Criss met on The Phil Donahue Show in February 1991.
== External Links ==
* Peter Criss at the Internet Movie Database
* Official site
Category:Actors
Category:Real People
Category:The Funtastic Index