Q- I've been a fan of yours for 16 years & you inspired me to pick up my sticks when I was 15. My question is: What is your feeling on double bass drums? I prefer using a single bass drum, but I do occasionally use a double bass pedal on my single bass drum. I have read interviews with you in the past, but I don't recall ever reading about your thoughts on this subject. Thanks Pete You're The GREATEST! Sean Hefner (no relation to Hugh, unfortunately!)

Peter- I love one bass drum. It started out with one. I am honored I inspired you. I have tried the double pedal, but am better on one. If you love double bass drums, great. Just keep playing the drums. Thanks The Catman

Q- I have ordered an electronic kit, I like the variety of sounds. Wondering, if you have ever played them and have tips? Brandon (30 year fan)

Peter- I have played Roland, Very cool. After this tour I am getting a set, just to mix with or maybe record, Who knows? Thanks The Catman

Q- Hi Peter, First off, I'd like to thank you for being an inspiration to myself and countless other drummers. You truly are my Gene Krupa and are the reason I took up playing the drums many years ago. My question is this: Considering your jazz and swing influences, do you ever play traditional grip in live situations? Also, how are your arms feeling, considering your carpal tunnel diagnosis? God bless you and your family and may you have many happy and healthy years behind the kit, Cat!
Jesus Avalos, MBA

Peter- I am honored I inspired you to play drums, Gene Krupa was my god. Yes I do play every so often it depends on the music or song. I am feeling great I never had carpal tunnel.. Too many shows just needed a rest. God bless you and your family. Thanks The Catman

Q- Dear Peter, I am curious how you divide your practice time. Do you own a drum machine or play along with records? You are the reason I play the drums, YOU ARE THE GREATEST! Thank You, JIM AIELLO.

Peter- I am honored I inspired you . I hate drum machines. I practice to records, All kinds of music that's what makes playing drums so cool. Keep playing. Thanks The Catman

Q- Hey hows it goin Peter, I just listened to ALIVE IV and was impressed with your playing. Prob. The best you've sounded in the Reunion Tours. I just wanted to know, is their anything differently you have been doing the last year and a half, in terms of practice regime, new techniques,etc ? Thanks in advance, Joseph

Peter- Thank you for the complement. Yes I have mixed things around, Lower cymbals, Tilt snare, Seat lower, Hold sticks different. I'm more in total control. I practice on my pad every day or on my drums if I am home. Thanks for noticing. Hope that helps. Thanks The Catman

Q- Hello Peter! I was wondering if you could explain what the difference is, if any, there are between the drums you use in the studio and the ones you use in concert? What drums are you using for the upcoming jazz album? I looked at the photos of you working on the album on your page, but I don't know too much drums and was curious. Thanks! John Morrison

Peter- I do have a favorite set for the studio and a set for concerts and a set for jazz. I am truly blessed. Some guys only have one set and have to play this everywhere. I had to do that in the beginning of my career. God has been good to me. Thank you The Catman

Q- Hi Pete! First, I would like to thank you for this Web Site. It's a great way for us fans to keep up with the COOLEST Drummer ever put on God's green earth. My question is this: How do you put your solos together? They are always so cool, and fit you perfectly. Thanks! Jamie

Peter- Thank you so much for the complement. Sometimes I listen to Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich and some Jazz, Rock, Latin, put it altogether and outcomes a solo. Than sometimes I just play and don't think, just play and go away, and that's a solo. Thanks The Catman

Q- Dear Peter, I am a drummer who performs 3 - 5 nights a week in the new jersey, new york area. I am a huge fan of yours! Here is my question: I have used the pearl master custom kit for the last 5 years, and i love it because the HARDWARE never has let me down. You, however have peaked my interest with your total dedication to DW! My question is do you feel that the dw hardware is top notch? I have used them in rehersal studios and it seems flimsy to me? Do you know if there are different levels of dw hardware for different levels of drums? Thanks in advance for the answer! THANKS AND GOD BLESS, Joey V


Peter- D.W. is the best in the world. I played it all. I don't know what you played, All there hardware is great. Only the best play D.W. trust me. One level with D.W.- great! God Bless you - The Catman




Q - Dear Pete, First off, your the greatest around!!! My question is at what point in time was the biggest kit you ever played on and could you describe it or post a picture if you have one? Thanks for all the memories and keep rocking!!!! Tom-Lima, Ohio

Peter - Thanks! I believe 1976 to 78, I had a Gong back than. I really like a 5 piece these days. Thanks The Cat Pictured to your left is Peter's Love Gun/Alive2 Kit.

Q- Why not offer some clinics or a drum video? John DeNobile

Peter - You are right, After the tour. I will have all the time for the World of PeterCriss. There are all kinds of COOL things planned, Music, Acting, My Book, A DvD...on and on. How to play drums like me. Hang in their as The Cat would say. God Bless, The Catman

Q- Hi, I am a drummer for about four years now. I have been a KISS fan for about 25 years now, So when I started playing naturally KISS was what I learned first. What were your influences when you started playing? Most of my playing style is like yours and I would love to hear were you got your style from. On your Drum Page the picture of your drum set , The toms to the left of your High Hats, What song do you use them on?. Thanks! A big fan!

Peter - First, Gene Krupa. Chuck Weeb, John Bonaham, Ringo. Buddy Rich. Louis Benson. I love Jazz! On my page, I don't think they are set-up to play, Just to see them. Their is a diagram on D.W. of my set-up. I will put one of mine up soon. With all my set-ups, From Rock to Jazz to Concerts. Thanks, The Cat

Q- Peter, What brand of Drums is the new bronze kit your pictured playing for your new album with the "PC" on the head that looks like the Gene Krupa "GK" logo? I love the look and I wondered if they were Slingerlands or DWs and if they are a signature set are they available to the public or custom-made? Thanks..Chad

Peter - They are D.W.'s, and Yes, Mr. John Good - V.P. of D.W. - Who I love to death, custom made them for me for my Jazz and I played them on KISS Symphony/Alive4. They are maple wood with champane sparkles. I love them! Yes, That's my "P.C." logo on the front, Like Gene Krupa. Cool Right. The Cat

Q - Peter, I am currently playing Pacific drums. How do you like them? I think they sound real good. Let me know if you like them. I know there made by D.W. Thanks a lot Donny from the band GRAVOL.Rock on!!!!

Peter - If DW makes them, Their great, DW the best in the world. Mr. John Good, VP of DW - The man told me and showed me the Pacific and they sound really good. Welcome to the family of DW. Thanks, The Cat

Q - I was just wondering why you now use the clear/coated and coated Ambassador heads that come standard on DW drums instead of the coated CS and clear Pinstripe heads you used on the 96-97 tour? How high or low do you tension the heads, and also, what type of wood sticks are you now using? Thanks very much! Michael Grillo, Somerset, MA

Peter - Well to be very honest, Ed my drum tech handles my drum heads, He tunes them for lucky me. I am playing 2 or 3 different sticks, Zildjian - Ahead - Vic Ferth - All different feels. I'm always experimenting. You got good eyes. Thanks, The Cat

Q - You're love of Gene Krupa and big band style drumming was evident in the early years of KISS. How much of that same influence was in your heart when KISS reunited in early 1995 - '96? And do those early influences still have a place in your playing today? PaulieG Bones

Peter - Gene Krupa is my God of the drums. He will always come thru my playing drums. I was so and still am excited by his playing. I have a natural swing in my playing, I pray to God that I never lose it. I think I have it even more today - 2003. Swing, Swing, Swing. Thanks, The Cat

Q - I was wondering what you consider your finest recorded drum track... I think some class Criss includes anything off of Dressed to Kill, "Almost Human" and "Shock me" on Love Gun, and "Hooked on R&R" from your '78 solo album. I also can't leave out "There's Nothing Better" from Out of Control...Man, I could go on and on. Peter, What do you regard as some of your greatest work? I'm a Hooligan, Ron

Peter - This is hard. Destroyer. KISS. Love Gun. Out of Control. Criss and Let me Rock you. Thanks, The Cat

Q - Hi Peter, What's your favorite Drum kit from KISS? I think the reunion Tour is the Best. The sound's good. Marco

Peter - I disagree on the Reunion Tour. I play DW drums, There are no better drums in the world for me. I don't really have a favorite kit, I love them all. God bless, The Cat

Q - Do the upside down cymbals really make that big of a difference combined with the other cymbal for you? Any brand of drums other than Pearl used for recording a specific album in the '70's? If so could you name one and the specific album? Lee Johnson

Peter - They make a different sound, and sometimes I like that crazy sound, Cymbals talk to me. The 1st and 2nd albums (KISS, Hotter than Hell) I played Ludwig. God bless, The Catman

Q - Peter, How has your style evolved during your 30+ year career, and How have you been able to maintain the power and precision that a band like KISS obviously requires? Glenn Sherman

Peter - As a young drummer, I was a bat out of hell, But age does weird shit. Eat right, No drugs, No booze, Exercise, Good sex and Love God, most important love God and Family. You will always have your skills, You just get more aware of them as you get older and that's cool. All drummers go thru life changes. Just keep Playing. The Cat

Q - Hello Peter, On the farewell tour, in your drum kit you used some kind of trick so that your playing was a bit softer but with the same volume...right? Now that I've heard the Symphony...I listened no more trick about it...You just play like a monster...My question is: Did you use that "help" on the Symphony? and if so are you goin' to use it on the KISS/Aerosmith tour? Alfredo

Peter - OK, It's not a trick, It's Triggers and all the top bands and drummers play them. There name - Ddrum. To me they make my drum sound BIG and I still hit the shit out of them. I use them on every tour. Read about triggers - There NO trick. Be cool, The Cat

Q - Hi Catman! Why don't you use a double pedal on your bass drum? Thanks for initiating this "Drum Forum" and many thanks for answering. Pierre (Annecy, France)

Peter - I am a one bass drum man and I can do just as much as two bass drums. I love to play solid time, Keep the pocket. If you like two bass drums - cool - Just keep time, That's a drummers job. God bless, The Cat

Q - Dear Mr. Peter Criss, How many different drum sets did you use during the '70's with KISS? I noticed a sliver/white set around '73-74 then a black set around the same time. Could you tell us how many different sets you did actually use during those years and If you ever used any older sets again after introducing a new one? Thank you, Ed Lee

Peter - There were Silver/Black - and all Silver set, Black set, Silver with this crazy design in it, about 5 to 6 sets thru-out the years. Never used old sets again after I played them on tour. God Bless, The Catman

Q - Hi Peter, I'll have the chance to meet you this summer since I purchased a Platinum Ticket Package. I was just wondering what exact snare drum (Company and Dimensions) that you use and what cymbals do you use? Please let me know. Love ya man! Peace! Marc

Peter - See ya this summer! I play D.W. drums - 14 by 6 I believe. Ed my tech would know better than me, I just hit them. Zildjian Cymbals. God bless. The Cat

Q - Peter, It is truly an honor to be able to ask "The Greatest Drummer in the World" a couple of questions! 1st - How do you tune your heads to get that thunderous sound? 2nd - The sound of your cymbals is second to none for a basic setup, What do you recommend that I use and in what positions, Also your ride cymbal, Is it a ping ride? I love your ride and high hat sound. Peace be with you Catman. God bless. Dave Poling - Grafton, WV

Peter - I stopped tuning my drums a long time ago, Soon my Tech Ed will answer all tuning questions. It's not a ping ride. Zildjian are the best. DW are the best. But tuning is important. You will get answers soon on "Ask Ed The Tech"...Coming Soon. Thank you for the compliment. God bless, The Cat

Q - Hey Peter, Someone recommended me using Drum "Triggers". Can you tell me what they are and do you recommend them? Your fan, Eddie brown jr.

Peter - Drum Triggers are great. They make your drums sound really BIG. You don't have to hit so hard, But I still do. They give your drums a full sound, All around the arena or outdoors. I use them and If you can, Go for it. I still don't know much about drum triggers, So my drum Tech Ed will be answering the Tech questions, "Ask Ed The Tech"...Coming Soon. God bless, The Cat

Q - Hello Peter, I was wondering if you ever recorded or performed with a double-bass Drum Kit? After the early days with KISS, Did you ever consider switching to a double-bass kit? Thanks, Your the best!

Peter - I am a single bass drum man. When I was very young I put together two bass drums, I just didn't like it. If you like two bass drums - cool, But that ain't me. You should always be who you are. Thanks, The Cat

Q - What was your longest drum solo? Was it during 100,000 years? Thanks, Rob

Peter - I believe so, Next to God of Thunder. Thanks for listening. The Cat

Q- Hi Peter, It's well know that your primary musical choice is jazz. I was wondering why you never used any type of swing pattern on the ride cymbal? Were you discouraged from this because you were playing rock music? Sean Serna

Peter - I played jazz first than rock and roll and if you listen very close my friend you will hear lots of jazz. I live in the light of Gene Krupa. He always comes out some were. Thank you The Cat

Q- Hi Pete! I just wanted to know if it's possible to have an autograph drum skin or drum sticks from you? So I can put it beside my drum kit to let people know who is the person that influence me to play drums. Best Regards, Debois

Peter - Not at this point, But just keep me in your head and heart. That makes me feel great! Just play Beth before you play, You will know I'm their. Thanks The Cat

Q- Hey Peter, When you are choosing what hardware to use for your drums both in the studio and onstage, What exactly are you looking for as far as performance goes? I play Pearl drums, But use all DW hardware because it seems more durable, Easy to set up, and quicker. Lifetime Fan - John

Peter - The secret to success, From the Cat, The live life is to live life right. I love DW hardware, I am blessed not to have to set my drums up, But my tech. Ed Kanon and I talk about everything about drums. So DW Rules! The drums are great! Thanks The Cat

Q- Hello Peter, I only have 2 short questions - Why and when have you changed from Pearl to DW? Which sort of cymbals have you been using in the 70's on the road with KISS? Christian Cishmack, Sereetz(Germany)

Peter - Pearl is good, But DW are better. At a time Pearl was going thru some shit around the late 80's and I meet John Good VP of DW. He was just making drums, I fell in love with their hardware. I love my Zildjians, I played them in the 70's, Then I went with Sabian for a short time, But I had to get back to Zildjian. Keep playing it's fun. Thanks The Cat

Q- Are you the ONLY drummer that played on Rock and Roll over? I know about Anton Fig playing on most of Dynasty and all of Unmasked, But I need to know who did the incredible drumming on Love em' Leave em, Calling Dr. Love and the rest of the album? Please tell me it's you!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Long time fan-Met you in California, I have my picture with you on my wall in my office. Thanks Paisan! Luke

Peter - Yes, I did play on Love 'em Leave 'em and Calling Dr. Love and on Rock and Roll Over, Good Years. Thanks for being a fan. God Bless, The CatMan

Q- Hi Peter, I've always been a HUGE fan of the drums. I wanted to play them when I joined the school band in 5th grade, But was too afraid because I thought they were a boy's instrument. (Well, that was a dumb way of thinking...) Now I'm 19 and I really want to play drums-or at least try to anyway. My question is there a certain age when a person is too old to learn to play drums, and be good at it? I know you've been playing since you were 9 years old? Most drummers seem to pick up the instrument at a young age. What would you suggest to an older person who wants to be a drummer? Thanks Peter! YOU ARE THE GREATEST!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Stacy

Peter - I started at 5, No big deal. You can start at any age, It's never to late, Well maybe 100. My teacher Jim Chapan started in his early 30's, He is one of the Greats. So just play, The drums will if not for nothing make you fell great. If you really want it, You will get it. Just thank God everyday. Love, The Cat

Q- Hello Peter. Forever my Teacher/Hero. My question is; When performing live what do you like to have in your monitor? Bass, Rhythm Guitar, etc... Has it changed over the years? Lee B Johnson

Peter - I am honored you feel that way about me as your teacher-Cool. In the old days, You had two floor monitors facing you on each side - Right and Left. LOUD, That's why my hearing is shit today. So now we have little monitors in our ears - Right and Left. I like Bass, Rhythm guitar and a sniff of Lead guitar, My Kick and Snare, Hi-Hats and I am a happy man. Be Cool, The Cat

Q- Hey Peter, I'm a KISS fan of 25 years (was featured on VH1 Kiss Fan club) and started playing drums at age 5 because of you. I always loved seeing pictures from the 70's of your monstrous kit complete with gong. I now play a pretty monstrous DW Kit myself and brought a 30inch gong to accurately come out of your Alive 2 God of Thunder solo. Any chance you might bring a gong out with you this time? I have Platinum tickets for Chicago so I will finally get to meet you then. Thanks Ron Ivanjack

Peter - Forget about the gong, Fun in the 70's - "But you never Know". See ya in Chicago one of my favorite places to play next to N.Y.C. Thank you. See ya - The Cat

More answers to your questions will be posted soon!!!