Sorry, but calling Criss solid is out of line. He did not even play on most albums (Anton Fig replaced him). Deuce is pretty much the most complex song he can play, and even this one he simplified live. Peter was probably the most limited drummer ever having success.
He played on all albums until 1977. And on 1 song only on
Dynasty and
Psycho Circus. KISS are hard rock, why you expect complex stuff. He's perfect for their 70's material. In his second stint with the band he simplified a lot live, but to call him limited. It's not metal. He did the job.
Some good songs here and there, no question. But overshadowed by their image.
I would say their image overshadowed their music in the 70's (plus some 80's and early 90's). Underrated imo. Lyrics aside, ofc.
No-one in Kiss was a particularly good musician. They were all image, no substance.
Wow! Even Ace? They're not the most technical or impressive musicians, but Ace is an influential rock guitarist. Paul had a great voice and is a very good as a guitarist. Gene's not a bad bassist. Their live shows until the late 90's, playing, singing, the amount of energy - let other bands try that.
I still maintain that Peter Criss was a clear weak link in the band though (evidenced by the Parasite video linked above where he can't maintain a consistent tempo or kick pattern).
IIRC, his tempo issues were one of the reasons for him leaving the band. Btw, the song ''Parasite'' allows such tempo and pattern, methinks.
That's some amateur hour drumming for a supposedly professional band. Although standards were presumably lower in 1975.
Amateur? I don't think it's that bad. It's him at the peak of his powers. And we're talking about the 70's. He's definitely not an impressive drummer.
Eric Carr could play, but they never gave him an opportunity to show it.
How so?
This is just incorrect. Bruce Kulick, Mark St John, Vinnie Vincent and Eric Carr are all EXCEPTIONAL musicians.
Yes. Although I think shredders like Vinnie and Mark weren't a good fit for the band's material, the technical players. Kulick and Carr were perfect.
Well, they turned down Richie Sambora, who auditioned before joining Bon Jovi. He would have been their best guitarist. Wonder why they ditched him. But honestly I wouldn't be surprised if it was about looks...
Sambora would have fitted KISS. Their best guitarist? It's not that easy to say, but Ace is Ace. About the looks, lol.
