Although former KISS drummer Peter Criss might disagree with Gene Simmons on a lot of things, Criss is the next rock legend to echo Simmons’ sentiment on the current state of rock n’ roll.
While speaking with Hi Fi Way, Criss was asked for his opinion on the fate of rock, in which he bluntly replied, “rock ‘n’ roll is over.” Admitting the reason why he feels this way is due to the kind of mainstream music he hears today in comparison to the music he grew up with when he was younger.
“I’ve been around since the day that the Beatles were onstage, I’ve been around when music was Motown … I’ve been around! What’s going on today ain’t my cup of tea,” says Criss. “The ’60s and ’70s were the times to be around. I saw Jimi Hendrix, I saw the real Who, the real Zeppelin, the Beatles and seen the Stones many times now that I know them and we’re friends. Over the years a lot has happened to me and I got to see all these great acts, and what I see today doesn’t rock my cradle and doesn’t do anything for me and I don’t care for a lot of the music.”
Criss believes that breaking into the music business took a lot more hard work, effort and creativity than it does today. “We were early pioneers and no one was doing that when we started out. Now everyone does it, so it isn’t big news anymore,” says Criss. “It’s time for me to get off the train as it’s not a great ride anymore. I don’t go out to concerts much anymore because I don’t enjoy myself because I get constantly harassed, people with phones wanting to take pictures, I can’t really sit and enjoy the concert or have a good time so I’m more of a homebody these days. The world has changed, my friend.”