I Finally Met Peter Criss of KISS!!

A few months ago, it was announced that Peter Criss (original drummer/co-singer of my favorite band KISS, as well as a solo artist) was going to do a few signings/photo op appearances to promote his latest solo album “Peter Criss”.

One of the appearances was going to be in the Detroit, MI area.  Livonia, MI to be exact.

Originally, I was going to pass on it because I didn’t think I could afford it, but after Mariah mentioned it to me again, I then decided to do it, and it wasn’t extremely expensive.  Thank you babe for mentioning it to me again.

Anyway, I went to the first day of it (Peter did two days of this appearance) at The Rock City Music Company, a very nice music/musical instrument store.

While waiting in line, I was able to speak to some fellow KISS fans and hear and tell some stories, which are always fun.  Two of them first saw KISS on the Destroyer tour in 1976.  One of which told me he and his friends went to their hotel, asked for Peter’s room number, got on the phone with Peter, and Peter invited them up to his room.  One fan had come from Australia for this event and for the KISS Indy Expo in Indiana.  Another fan caught Eric Carr (KISS drummer from 1980-1991, RIP) drum sticks once on a tour.  I love all of these stories.

Peter did the appearances in a series of roughly hour increments (5 PM signing, 6 PM signing, 7 PM photo ops, 8 PM signing).

I met Peter in the 5 PM signing.  His wife Gigi was with him.  Both were very nice. 

I had Peter sign my copy of his latest CD.  When I told him I thought it is my favorite of his solo albums, he told me he thought so too and laughed.

I showed Peter my original KISS concert tickets from 1998 and 2000.  He asked me how much the tickets cost and when I told him, he told me he wished that tickets were not so expensive now (they were cheaper then) and that bands should be grateful that their fans are still showing up to see them.

Peter said he was grateful for his fans and was grateful I was there.

I told him I loved him and thanked him for everything, that KISS is my favorite band, and he said “I love you too”, said God Bless You, and wished me good health.

Later on, when I was waiting in line to get my picture taken with him, I could hear him playing his drum kit (he sits behind a drum kit while the fans stand in front of it for the picture), and as I already knew, he still plays great.

Very cool experience for me.  As I said, KISS is my favorite band (all albums, all lineups) and Peter was the last original member I had not met.

I had met Ace Frehley (lead guitar/vocals, RIP) in 2016, Gene Simmons (bass/vocals) and Paul Stanley (guitar/vocals) in 2019, and now Peter Criss (drums/vocals) on April 24th of 2026.

Thank you Peter and Gigi.  Thank you to The Rock City Music Company.  Thank you to the cool fans who I spoke with.  Thank you KISS!!!!  And thank you Mariah once again for mentioning this event to me again.  If you would not have mentioned it to me, I would not have gone.  I love you babe.