For nearly 50 years, “Beth” has been one of the most famous and surprising songs in the KISS catalog. Released in 1976 on the album Destroyer, the song was very different from KISS’s usual loud, hard-rock style. Instead of heavy guitars and big choruses, “Beth” was soft, emotional, and filled with piano and strings. Because of that, many fans were shocked—but they loved it.
“Beth” went on to become KISS’s biggest hit in the United States, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard charts. It even won a People’s Choice Award, something no one expected from a band known for face paint, fire-breathing, and explosive stage shows.
For decades, the story behind “Beth” seemed simple. Fans believed that Peter Criss, KISS’s original drummer, co-wrote the song and sang it from the heart. His emotional vocal performance helped make the song feel real and personal. But now, longtime KISS bassist Gene Simmons is challenging that story—and his comments are stirring up debate.
Gene Simmons Changes the Narrative
In a recent interview, Gene Simmons claimed that Peter Criss had almost nothing to do with writing “Beth.” According to Simmons, the real songwriter was Stan Penridge, a musician who played with Criss in a band called Chelsea before KISS existed.
Simmons explained that the song originally wasn’t even called “Beth.” It was called “Beck.” He says he first heard Criss humming the melody while they were riding together in a limo in the mid-1970s. When Simmons asked about the chords or structure of the song, he claims Criss didn’t know them. That raised red flags for Simmons.
Simmons also says he personally suggested changing the name from “Beck” to “Beth”, because “Beth” sounded smoother and more romantic. According to him, that simple change helped the song flow better and made it more emotional.
Who Really Wrote the Song?
Simmons insists that Stan Penridge wrote the song, not Peter Criss. He claims Criss only sang it. Simmons also argued that drummers generally don’t write songs unless they play melodic instruments like guitar or piano. While this opinion has upset many fans, Simmons believes songwriting credits sometimes happen because of band politics, not creativity.
He says Peter Criss’s name ended up on the songwriting credits due to behind-the-scenes agreements, not because Criss actually wrote the music or lyrics.
Bob Ezrin’s Big Role
Another key figure in the story is Bob Ezrin, the producer of Destroyer. Simmons gave Ezrin a lot of credit for turning “Beth” into the classic song fans know today. Ezrin reportedly pushed for a piano- and string-based arrangement, inspired by songs like The Beatles’ “Yesterday.”
Ezrin also added a piano section influenced by classical music, helping give “Beth” its emotional depth and timeless feel. Without Ezrin’s vision, Simmons believes the song would never have become such a massive hit.
A Complicated Band History
Despite his blunt comments, Simmons made it clear that he still cares deeply about Peter Criss. He described KISS as a family—one that has fought, argued, broken apart, and reunited over the years. He even mentioned recently seeing Criss again during a difficult moment tied to loss in their shared circle.
Still, Simmons says it’s “time for the truth,” even if that truth upsets fans.
So What Does This Mean for Fans?
Whether you believe Gene Simmons or not, one thing is clear: “Beth” remains one of rock music’s most powerful ballads. No matter who wrote what, the song connected with millions of people and showed a softer side of KISS that no one expected.
In the end, the debate may never fully settle. But the song’s legacy—its emotion, beauty, and impact—remains untouched. And maybe that’s what matters most. 🎶