Gene Simmons has reignited a decades-old debate about KISS’s biggest hit, ‘Beth,’ claiming drummer Peter Criss had little to do with writing the 1976 ballad. Simmons credits Stan Penridge as the true songwriter, while Criss maintains his role in its creation. The revelation sheds new light on the band’s internal dynamics and the song’s enduring legacy.
The Song That Defined KISS’s Legacy
In 1976, KISS released Destroyer, an album that would cement their place in rock history. Among its tracks was ‘Beth,’ a power ballad that defied the band’s hard-rocking image. Originally the B-side to ‘Detroit Rock City,’ the song became KISS’s highest-charting single, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite New Song of 1976, a fact drummer Peter Criss has proudly highlighted on his official website.
For years, Criss has claimed co-writing credits for ‘Beth,’ calling it “KISS’ biggest hit” and expressing pride in its enduring popularity. But in a January 2026 interview with the Professor of Rock podcast, Gene Simmons challenged this narrative, offering a starkly different account of the song’s origins.
Simmons’ Version: The Real Story Behind ‘Beth’
Simmons recalled a limousine ride where Criss hummed a melody for a song originally titled ‘Beck.’ “I’m, like, ‘That’s a nice melody. What is that?’ He goes, ‘Oh, it’s a song I wrote called ‘Beck,’” Simmons said. He suggested changing the title to ‘Beth,’ arguing that the softer syllable made it more romantic. But Simmons’ most controversial claim was about Criss’s songwriting role: “Peter does not write songs. He doesn’t play a musical instrument. Drums are not a musical instrument, by definition.”
Instead, Simmons credited Stan Penridge, a former bandmate of Criss’s in the group Chelsea, as the true songwriter. “The person who wrote ‘Beth’ is a guy named Stan Penridge,” Simmons asserted. He alleged that Penridge, who died in 2001, had agreed to let Criss take credit due to “politics and hint, hint, nudge, nudge.” Simmons also noted that producer Bob Ezrin contributed the song’s piano middle section, adapted from a Mozart concerto.
A Band Divided: Criss Fires Back
Criss has vehemently defended his role in ‘Beth’s creation. In past interviews, he claimed the band initially hated the song, dismissing it as “not KISS.” “They said, ‘This ain’t KISS. We’re about leather and studs and ripping your head off,’” Criss recalled. Yet, the ballad’s success proved him right—it became their first Top 10 hit and a staple on rock radio.
Simmons isn’t alone in questioning Criss’s contributions. In a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, lead singer Paul Stanley echoed similar sentiments: “Peter had nothing to do with it, because if you write one hit song, you should be able to write two. That’s the reality.” Criss fired back, accusing Stanley of jealousy: “They hated the fact that I wrote a hit record and won a People’s Choice.”
Why This Revelation Matters
The debate over ‘Beth’ isn’t just about songwriting credits—it’s a window into KISS’s complex history. The band’s internal tensions, creative clashes, and power struggles have long fascinated fans. Simmons’ comments reignite questions about authenticity, legacy, and who truly shaped KISS’s sound.
For fans, ‘Beth’ remains a beloved anthem, a rare soft moment in a discography defined by anthems like ‘Rock and Roll All Nite.’ Whether Criss or Penridge penned it, the song’s impact is undeniable. But Simmons’ claims add a new layer to its story, one that challenges the narrative Criss has championed for decades.
The Legacy of ‘Beth’ and KISS’s Future
As KISS’s final tour wraps up, the band’s legacy is more relevant than ever. ‘Beth’ stands as a testament to their versatility, proving they could dominate both arenas and airwaves. Yet, Simmons’ revelations remind us that behind the makeup and pyrotechnics, KISS was—and remains—a band of strong personalities, each with their own version of the truth.
For now, the debate over ‘Beth’ continues. But one thing is certain: the song’s place in rock history is secure, no matter who wrote it.
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