In late 1972, Peter Criss picked up the phone and found Gene Simmons on the other end. Instead of asking about drumming skills or past gigs, Simmons wanted to know about hair, dresses, high heels, and lipstick. This unusual conversation would help shape one of rock’s most iconic bands.
Simmons and Paul Stanley had seen an ad in Rolling Stone placed by Criss, a drummer from Brooklyn. After his previous bands, Chelsea and Lips, had broken up, he was looking for new opportunities. Simmons asked him, “Are you tall? Are you good-looking? Do you have long hair? Are you willing to wear a dress and high heels? Are you willing to wear lipstick?” Criss was surprised but intrigued by the questions.
At the time, Criss had just returned from his honeymoon in London. He turned to his wife and said he needed to meet Simmons because something felt different about this call.
When Criss arrived at Electric Lady Studios in New York, he was dressed in clothes from London. Simmons took one look at him and said he looked like a rock star ready to record. They still needed a lead guitarist, and Ace Frehley showed up wearing a motorcycle jacket and mismatched sneakers. He plugged in and started playing, impressing everyone right away.
The four musicians were inspired by the Beatles when creating their makeup and characters. They wanted to attract fans who loved each member individually. “We wanted the same thing,” Criss said. “So we took their concept and made it more theatrical.” They experimented with cheap clown-white makeup and shoe polish, and during rehearsals in a cold loft, Criss became the Catman, while the others took on the roles of The Demon, Starchild, and Spaceman.
Eric Singer later took over as drummer, continuing the Catman legacy. The band wrapped up their last show in 2023.
