Peter Criss Criticizes Gene Simmons’ ‘Ridiculous’ Claims About ‘Beth’
In a recent exchange, Peter Criss has openly criticized Gene Simmons over his remarks regarding the song “Beth.” Simmons claimed that Criss did not contribute to writing the iconic track, attributed instead to Stan Penridge, a former bandmate of Criss’ pre-Kiss band.
Criss Responds to Simmons’ Claims
In a pointed interview with Billboard, Criss rebutted Simmons’ comments, labeling them “ridiculous” and “very uncalled for.” He emphasized that Simmons was not present during the creation and completion of the song in the late 1960s, thus lacking insight into its origins.
The Evolution of “Beth”
Criss detailed the transformation of “Beth,” which began as a more energetic rock tune. It eventually evolved into the orchestral ballad that captivated audiences, securing a spot in the Top 10 of the singles charts in 1976.
- Original song developed from a demo titled “Beck” with Stan Penridge.
- Penridge contributed to the original verse and chorus, while Criss created the core melody.
- The song was further refined with orchestration by producer Bob Ezrin.
Ezrin corroborated Criss’ account, stating that he and Criss collaborated at the Record Plant studio to reshape the song. He noted that the original version of “Beth” had a more aggressive vibe before it was slowed down to highlight its emotional depth.
Bob Ezrin’s Involvement
Ezrin recalled adapting the song to include a more sensitive piano part, aligning with Criss’ insights. His perspective reinforces Criss’ stance that both he and Penridge played significant roles in crafting “Beth.” Ezrin emphasized that historical context is essential when discussing the song’s origins.
This ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of songwriting roles within music collaborations, particularly for iconic hits like “Beth.” As Criss and Simmons’ public disagreement unfolds, it sheds light on the intricate dynamics of creativity and recognition in the music industry.
