Born on this day in 1945, George Peter John Criscuola (better known by his stage name Peter Criss) is a retired American musician and actor, best known as a co-founder, original drummer, occasional vocalist, and the 'Catman' of KISS, turns 80. Criss co-wrote the ballad "Beth", a Top 10 hit for Kiss on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #7 in 1976. The song remains the highest-charting song for Kiss in the United States. The song was written before Criss had joined Kiss, while he was still a member of Chelsea. Criss came up with the melody for the song while on a train to New York City from New Jersey where the band practiced.
In Peter's honor, check out a 1978 performance of "Beth" above, and the "Unplugged" version below.
