What is Peter Criss Net Worth?
| Net Worth: | $5 million |
|---|---|
| Source of Wealth: | Musician, Drummer, and Occasional Vocalist |
| Date of Birth: | December 20th, 1945 |
| Country of Origin: | United States |
| Last Updated: | 2024 |
Peter Criss Net Worth: Peter Criss is an American rock star and actor with an estimated net worth of $5 million. Criss is best known for his impactful role in Kiss, contributing significantly to the band’s success with his unique drumming style and vocal contributions.
His story is not just one of fame and fortune but also of resilience and reinvention, both in his career and personal life. His net worth is a testament to his enduring influence in the music industry and his ability to overcome personal challenges.
Early Life
Peter Criss, born George Peter John Criscuola on December 20, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, discovered his passion for music at an early age. Inspired by the classic rock bands of the sixties, Criss was driven to hone his musical skills.
Criss grew up in a working-class Italian-American family in Brooklyn. His interest in music developed at a young age, influenced by the jazz and big band records his father played at home.
Peter Criss began playing drums as a teenager, initially teaching himself and then later taking formal lessons to refine his skills. His early musical influences included jazz drummers such as Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, as well as rock and roll pioneers like Elvis Presley and Little Richard.
During his formative years, Criss played in various local bands, honing his drumming abilities and gaining valuable experience performing in front of live audiences. In the late 1960s, he moved to New York City to pursue his musical aspirations more seriously
He became involved in several local bands, most notably Chelsea and Lips, where he began to establish his reputation as a musician.
Career
Criss’s musical journey took a significant turn in the early seventies when he met fellow musicians Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. This meeting led to Criss joining KISS, a band that would soon skyrocket to fame. KISS’s debut self-titled album was an instant hit, catapulting the band into the limelight and marking the beginning of their journey as one of the world’s biggest rock bands.
Throughout his career with KISS, Criss was the lead singer on several of their songs, including hits like “Black Diamond,” “Hard Luck Woman,” and the breakthrough hit “Beth.” The ballad “Beth” remains particularly notable as KISS’s highest-charting song in the U.S., peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1976, and earning a People’s Choice Award.
Criss’s tenure with KISS was marked by both success and turbulence. He played on only one of his own compositions, “Dirty Livin’,” on the 1979 release “Dynasty.” However, he did not play at all on “Unmasked” (1980). Tensions within the band and his deteriorating relationship with his bandmates led to his departure from KISS in 1980.
Following his departure, Criss embarked on a solo career. He began recording his second solo album, “Out of Control,” in March 1980, which, despite being a commercial failure, remained a favorite among his fans. His follow-up album, “Let Me Rock You” in 1982, also did not achieve commercial success. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Criss was involved with several bands, each having a relatively short life span.
Peter Criss net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2024.
Career Highlights
- 1974: Release of KISS’s self-titled debut album
- 1976: “Beth” peaks at No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart
- 1980: Begins solo career with the album “Out of Control”
- 1993: Release of “Criss EP” with his band Criss
- 1996: Reunion tour with KISS, leading to the release of the album “Psycho Circus” in 1998
Personal Life
Peter Criss’s personal life has been as colorful as his professional one. He married Lydia Di Leonardo in 1970 and had a daughter, Jenilee, with her.
After their divorce, he married Debra Lewis in 1979, and they had a son named Paul before their eventual divorce. In 1998, Criss married Gigi, and the couple has two daughters, Monique and Loretta.
Criss’s physical attributes, including his height of 6 feet and muscular build, along with his distinctive long hair and prominent mustache, contributed to his dynamic and charismatic stage presence.
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Awards and Achievements
Peter Criss has a notable history of awards and achievements that highlight his significant impact on the music industry, particularly as a drummer.
One of his most significant achievements is the Top 10 hit for Kiss, “Beth,” which peaked at No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1976. This song remains the highest-charting song for Kiss in the United States. It also earned them a People’s Choice Award for “Young People’s Favorite New Song” in 1977.
In recognition of his extensive contributions to music, Criss was honored with the “Man of Courage” award at the Beauty Ball in Eatontown, New Jersey. Additionally, he was voted the fourth “Most Influential Drummer” in Goldmine magazine, underscoring his substantial influence in the realm of drumming.
Criss’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of KISS further cements his legacy as one of the greatest drummers in music history.
Peter Criss Net Worth
Peter Criss’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million. The band’s debut album alone brought in impressive sales, contributing significantly to his earnings.
His involvement in the band included not just performing but also songwriting and producing, which meant he earned royalties from the Kiss discography. Albums such as “Destroyer,” which included hits like “Beth,” co-written and sung by Criss, were crucial in elevating his wealth.
After leaving Kiss in 1980, Criss pursued a solo career, releasing albums that, while not as commercially successful as his work with Kiss, still contributed to his net worth. Criss’s involvement in acting, with appearances in movies and television series, diversified his income sources, although the financial impact of these endeavors is less quantifiable compared to his music career.
Real Estate
Peter Criss, known for his role as the original drummer of the rock band Kiss, has been involved in real estate, which contributes to his net worth. He owned a home in Greenwich, Connecticut, which was listed for sale for $1.875 million.
This 3,700 square-foot Normandy-style house is situated on four acres and features a small pond with a waterfall and an arched wooden bridge. The listing highlighted a magnificent living room with a beamed cathedral ceiling, a fireplace, a viewing balcony, and a wood-paneled pub room.
In addition to this Connecticut property, Criss and his wife Gigi put their longtime home in Wall Township, New Jersey, on the market for $1.1 million. This Georgian Colonial home sat on an acre of land and showcased elegant features, distinct from any rock star stereotypes.
Peter Criss net worth is estimated to be about $5 million, this is inclusive of his wealth in real estate.
Charity
Peter Criss’s charitable activities and philanthropic efforts, particularly related to his personal experiences and the causes he cares about, are notable.
As a breast cancer survivor, Criss has shown an interest in raising awareness and supporting related causes. His acknowledgment with the “Man of Courage” award at the Beauty Ball in Eatontown, New Jersey, signifies his contributions and efforts in this area.
This recognition, coupled with his willingness to use his personal experiences to help others, demonstrates his commitment to philanthropy and charitable causes.
Notable Peter Criss Quotes
Life Lessons to Learn From Peter Criss’s Success
1. Embrace Your Unique Identity
Peter Criss’s success shows the power of embracing and staying true to your unique identity. He created a lasting persona in the music industry by being the ‘catman,’ which helped him stand out and be memorable. This teaches us the importance of individuality and being authentic in our pursuits.
2. The Importance of Health Awareness
Criss’s battle with breast cancer and his advocacy for health checks, especially for men, underline the critical lesson of not neglecting health. His emphasis on being proactive about health issues serves as a reminder to prioritize our well-being, irrespective of societal norms or stereotypes.
3. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Criss’s career, marked by highs and lows, teaches the lesson of resilience. His ability to reinvent himself and stay relevant in the music industry, despite challenges, is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability in achieving long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions – Peter Criss Net Worth
What happened to Peter Criss from the band Kiss?
Peter Criss left Kiss in 1980, mainly due to strained relationships with his bandmates and personal issues. Although there were claims that he was fired, Criss maintains that he quit the band. He pursued a solo career post-Kiss and rejoined the band for reunion tours before eventually retiring from touring in 2017.
How rich is Peter Criss of Kiss?
As of 2023, Peter Criss’s estimated net worth stands at $5 million. This reflects his career earnings from his time with Kiss, his solo music career, live performances, merchandise sales, royalties, and acting.
How many original Kiss members are left?
All four original members of Kiss – Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss – are still alive. However, not all of them are active with the band. Criss retired from touring in 2017.
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Final Thoughts
Peter Criss’s net worth of $5 million is a reflection of a remarkable career in the music industry, marked by his significant contributions as an original member of the iconic rock band Kiss.
His financial success is attributed to various streams of income, including album sales, live performances, merchandise sales, royalties from songwriting and producing, and his solo career endeavors.
As of 2024, Peter Criss net worth is estimated to be $5 million