For almost fifty years, “Beth” has been one of the most emotional and surprising songs in KISS’ career. Released in 1976, the soft piano ballad was very different from the band’s usual loud, fire-breathing rock style. Yet, it became one of their biggest hits, reaching the Top 10 on the charts and introducing KISS to a much wider audience.
Now, decades later, the song is back in the spotlight — not because of the music, but because of a public argument between former bandmates Peter Criss and Gene Simmons over who really wrote it.
Why “Beth” Was So Special
KISS was known for heavy guitars, wild stage shows, and makeup. Songs like “Rock and Roll All Nite” defined their image. Then “Beth” came along — slow, gentle, and emotional. Instead of shouting, the song told a story of a musician apologizing to someone he loves for always being away.
The song’s soft sound helped it succeed on radio stations that normally wouldn’t play KISS. It became the band’s first major mainstream hit and is still one of their most famous songs today.
Most fans also connect “Beth” directly with Peter Criss, because he sang the lead vocals. His voice gave the song its emotional weight and helped make it memorable.
Where the Song Came From
According to Peter Criss, “Beth” started long before KISS recorded it. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Criss was in a band called Chelsea. During that time, he worked with songwriter Stan Penridge on a song called “Beck.”
“Beck” was inspired by real life. One of their bandmates was always getting phone calls from his wife during rehearsals, asking when he would be home. The song was written from the musician’s point of view, explaining why he couldn’t come back yet.
Criss says he helped create the melody, vocal phrasing, and emotional feel of the song. Penridge helped with lyrics and structure. This early version existed before KISS ever recorded “Beth.”
How It Became “Beth”
When KISS worked on their 1976 album Destroyer, producer Bob Ezrin heard the demo and saw potential. Ezrin changed the song’s style, slowing it down and adding piano and orchestration. He also suggested changing the title from “Beck” to “Beth,” because it sounded softer and more romantic.
Ezrin helped polish the song, but according to Criss, the core idea was already there. The official songwriting credits list Peter Criss, Stan Penridge, and Bob Ezrin.
Gene Simmons’ Controversial Claim
Recently, Gene Simmons said in an interview that Peter Criss had “nothing to do” with writing “Beth.” Simmons claimed that Criss doesn’t write songs and only sang the track, suggesting that others were responsible for the music and lyrics.
These comments shocked many fans because “Beth” has always been closely tied to Criss’ identity in the band.
Peter Criss Responds
Peter Criss strongly disagreed. He said Simmons was wrong and not involved when the song was written. Criss explained that the melody and early demo came from him and Penridge, and that Simmons had no role in creating the song.
Criss also clarified that Bob Ezrin, not Gene Simmons, changed the title and helped shape the final version.
Why This Argument Matters
KISS has argued about songwriting credits for years, but “Beth” is different. It’s not just another song — it’s one of the band’s defining moments. For Peter Criss, denying his role in “Beth” feels like erasing one of his most important contributions to music.
Even after farewell tours and decades of success, the disagreements inside KISS clearly haven’t disappeared.
Nearly 50 years later, “Beth” still proves one thing: behind even the softest song, there can be a very loud fight. 🎸