Peter Criss Responds to Gene Simmons’ Controversial Accusation on “Beth” Songwriting Credit

In a recent interview, Peter Criss has strongly rebutted Gene Simmons’ claims that he had no role in the writing of “Beth,” one of Kiss’s most iconic songs. The dispute has reignited tensions between the founding members of the legendary rock band.

The Accusation from Simmons

Earlier this month, Gene Simmons made headlines by asserting that Peter Criss did not deserve a songwriting credit for “Beth,” which was featured on the band’s 1976 album, Destroyer. According to Simmons, the true credit belongs to Stan Penridge, Criss’s former bandmate from before his time with Kiss. Simmons stated, “It appears first. Peter Criss, (Destroyer producer) Bob Ezrin, Stan Penridge, or the other way around. But Peter’s first. Peter had nothing to do with that song. He sang it.”

Criss Fires Back

Criss quickly responded, expressing disbelief over Simmons’ comments. “Gene wouldn’t know how the song was originally written because Gene wasn’t there from the conception of the song in the late ‘60s and he wasn’t there for the completion of the song with Bob Ezrin,” Criss stated in an interview with Billboard. He described Simmons’ remarks as “ridiculous and very uncalled for,” emphasizing that Simmons is speaking on matters he does not fully understand.

The Evolution of “Beth”

In his defense, Criss elaborated on the song’s development from a more upbeat rock track to the orchestral ballad that became a Top 10 hit. He explained, “As the singing songwriter, I wrote the melody and created the phrasing for the song that’s on the original demo ‘Beck’ with Stan Penridge. What remained on the reworked version of ‘Beth’ is Stan’s original verse and chorus, and my core melody remains on the reworked composition.”

Criss further noted the collaborative effort that took place with Bob Ezrin, who played a significant role in the song’s arrangement. “Bob and I sat at the piano at the Record Plant studio working out the song. Bob Ezrin changed the tempo and made it slower, and I worked on changing some of the second verse and the phrasing with the slower tempo,” he explained.

Bob Ezrin’s Perspective

Bob Ezrin, who produced Destroyer, also weighed in on the controversy. He recalled that the original version of “Beth” was indeed more rock-oriented than the final product. “I felt it had potential, so I asked to take it home and play with it a bit. I did slow it down, as Gene says, and I created that piano part but also made it more vulnerable and sensitive,” Ezrin shared. He backed Criss’s claims, affirming that the song was initially conceived by both Criss and Penridge.

Conclusion

The ongoing feud over songwriting credits raises important questions about artistic recognition within the music industry. As both Criss and Ezrin stand firm on their contributions to “Beth,” it seems that the legacy of this beloved ballad will continue to provoke discussion among fans and critics alike. The complexities of collaboration in creative endeavors often blur the lines of authorship, making it vital for artists to acknowledge each other’s contributions fairly.

FAQs

What is the song “Beth” about?

“Beth” is a ballad that expresses longing and emotional vulnerability, often interpreted as a love letter to a significant other who is waiting at home.

Who is Stan Penridge?

Stan Penridge is a musician and songwriter who collaborated with Peter Criss before Criss joined Kiss. He is credited with contributing to the original version of “Beth.”

What role did Bob Ezrin play in the creation of “Beth”?

Bob Ezrin was the producer of the Destroyer album and played a significant role in transforming “Beth” into the orchestral ballad that became a hit, collaborating closely with Criss during the process.

How did “Beth” perform on the charts?

“Beth” reached the Top 10 on the Billboard singles chart, becoming one of Kiss’s most successful songs and solidifying its place in rock history.