Peter Criss Refutes $1,000 Charge for Digital Album Download
Peter Criss has refuted claims that he is demanding $1,000 from fans for a download of his latest solo album. The former drummer of KISS addressed the controversy on Monday after the file was listed at a vastly inflated price on his Bandcamp page, with vinyl and CDs priced significantly lower. Notably, it was clarified that Flatiron Recordings manages the Bandcamp account, not Criss himself. Criss explained on his website that he had asked Flatiron Recordings to deactivate the account linked to his records before the release date of his new album on December 19, 2025. “I am not in control of the Bandcamp account. Flatiron Recordings is,” he stated.
Expressing regret for the confusion caused, Criss apologized to fans and advised them to seek alternative avenues to procure his fresh rock record. He emphasized that he is not endorsing the reported exorbitant $1,000 pricing for the download. This eponymous release marks Criss’s first solo endeavor since 2007’s One For All, which had a jazz and ballad focus. In contrast, the latest record embraces a return to the roots of rock and roll.
The album features guest appearances from notable musicians such as Motley Crue guitarist John 5, bassist Billy Sheehan, and keyboardist Paul Shaffer. With 11 tracks, the album dropped on December 19, coinciding with Criss’s 80th birthday celebration. Furthermore, in an interview with Antimusic, Criss pointed out that his pricing strategy was not the only unconventional one among former KISS members. Vinnie Vincent, former lead guitarist, had announced a single titled “Ride the Serpent” priced at $225, with a unique stipulation of requiring 1,000 orders before shipping.
Having initially departed from KISS in 1980, Criss made intermittent comebacks, including a reunion tour in the 1990s and a final appearance in 2004 before Eric Singer took over as the drummer. Criss’s distinct vocal contributions to KISS tracks such as “Beth,” “Black Diamond,” and “Hard Luck Woman” have been etched in the band’s legacy.
In conclusion, Peter Criss’s latest music endeavor has received attention not only for its content but also for the unusual pricing confusion that ensued. Despite the initial misrepresentation of the download cost on Bandcamp, Criss has reaffirmed that the exorbitant sum was not his doing and has distanced himself from such practices. With a storied career in the music industry and a new rock record under his belt, Criss continues to be a figure of interest among fans and music enthusiasts alike.