Peter Criss refutes claims of $1,000 charge for digital album download
Peter Criss recently addressed accusations that he set the price for a digital download of his latest solo album at a staggering $1,000. The former KISS drummer clarified the situation after his Bandcamp page displayed the download at that exorbitant cost, alongside more reasonable prices for the vinyl and compact disc versions. It was revealed that Flatiron Recordings manages the Bandcamp account, not Criss himself.
Expressing his frustration with the situation, Criss explained on his website that he had requested Flatiron Recordings to disable the account associated with his records before the release of his new album on December 19, 2025. He emphasized that he does not have control over the Bandcamp account and apologized for any confusion or inconvenience caused by the misinformation surrounding the pricing issue.
This new self-titled album marks Criss’s return to the rock genre after his 2007 venture into jazz and ballads with “One For All.” Featuring guest appearances from notable musicians like Motley Crue guitarist John 5, bassist Billy Sheehan, and keyboardist Paul Shaffer, the 11-track album dropped on December 19, coinciding with Criss’s 80th birthday.
In a recent interview with Antimusic, Criss pointed out that he is not the only former KISS member associated with peculiar pricing strategies. Former lead guitarist Vinnie Vincent unveiled a new single titled “Ride the Serpent” priced at $225 and revealed that he would only proceed with shipping orders once he reached a goal of 1,000 sales.
Having parted ways with KISS in 1980, Criss made sporadic returns for special events and tours, with his last appearance occurring in 2004 before drummer Eric Singer took over his position. Despite his departure from the band, Criss’s influence on KISS’s discography is undeniable, having performed lead vocals on iconic tracks like “Beth,” “Black Diamond,” and “Hard Luck Woman.”
Criss’s clarification on the pricing mishap sheds light on the fact that the high cost of the digital download was a result of mismanagement by Flatiron Recordings and not a deliberate decision by the musician himself. Fans eager to support Criss can now rest assured that they can purchase his new record at more affordable prices through alternative channels.