A new debate has erupted in the rock world, and it involves one of the most famous bands of all time: KISS. The argument started when bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons made a bold and controversial statement — he said that drums are not a musical instrument. Unsurprisingly, this did not sit well with KISS’s original drummer, Peter Criss, and fans quickly took sides.
The comment came during Gene Simmons’ appearance on a podcast where he was talking about songwriting and band credits. While explaining who deserves credit for writing songs, Simmons said that drums should not be considered a musical instrument in the same way guitars or keyboards are. According to him, drums are “percussive instruments,” not musical ones. He added that while drums are important, they do not create melodies that can be owned or copyrighted.
Simmons explained his thinking by focusing on copyright law. He said that guitar riffs, vocal melodies, and lyrics can be copyrighted, but drum parts cannot. Because of this, he believes drummers do not contribute to songwriting in the same way as melody-based musicians. His comments were widely seen as dismissive, especially since they seemed to downplay Peter Criss’ role in KISS’s success.
Peter Criss did not stay silent. In response, he strongly defended both himself and drummers everywhere. Criss said that drums are absolutely a musical instrument and that percussion is one of the oldest forms of music in human history. Long before guitars or pianos existed, people were making music using rhythm and drums.
Criss explained that drums are the heartbeat of music. They control the tempo, create energy, and help keep all musicians in time. Without drums, many songs would feel empty or lose their power. In rock, pop, jazz, and countless other genres, drums are what make people move, dance, and feel the groove.
At the center of this debate is a bigger question: What makes someone a songwriter? Gene Simmons looks at music from a business and ownership point of view. To him, songwriting means creating something that can be legally protected and owned. Peter Criss, on the other hand, sees music as a group effort, where rhythm, feel, and timing are just as important as melodies and lyrics.
There is also some irony in this argument. KISS became famous not only for catchy choruses and loud guitars, but also for powerful drum parts. Songs like Detroit Rock City, Black Diamond, and Beth would not feel the same without their strong rhythms. Peter Criss’ drumming style, influenced by jazz and swing, helped give early KISS its unique sound.
This controversy also highlights a long-standing issue in the music industry. Drummers and percussionists often feel overlooked when it comes to recognition and songwriting credit. Even though they play a key role in shaping songs, they are sometimes seen as less important than singers or guitarists. Simmons’ comments touched a nerve because many musicians feel rhythm has been undervalued for decades.
In the end, this debate is about perspective. Gene Simmons sees music through the lens of copyright and ownership. Peter Criss sees it through history, rhythm, and collaboration. For many fans and musicians, the answer feels obvious: without drums, music would lose its pulse.
Love them or hate them, drums keep the beat going — and that alone makes them impossible to ignore. 🥁