Original KISS Drummer's Wife Accuses Fan Site Of 'Totally Disrespecting' PETER CRISS

Gigi Criss, the wife of original KISS drummer Peter Criss, has slammed a KISS fan site for treating Peter with "total disrespect" by using a photo of the band's current lineup — featuring Eric Singer as the "Catman" character made famous by Criss — as part of its official banner.

In an e-mail to Peter's official web site, George Xirocostas from the Australian KISS Army wrote, "I have a question for you on behalf of all Australian Peter Criss fans. Are you going to tour in Australia for you solo world tour? I am a member of the Australian KISS Army and we have a large membership and this question keeps popping up in our forum. You have many fans here who would love to see you Down Under. Your Number 1 fan is a lady by the name of Eliana who lives in Melbourne and worships you (she is also Italian). Hope you reply back to me so that I can report back to my fellow fans."

Responding to Xirocostas' e-mail, Gigi Criss wrote, "If you want Peter Criss to respond to your question then I suggest you put the original band on you banner. Peter finds this totally disrespectful and will not be part of any site that put Tommy and Eric in Ace or Peter makeup. It's bad enough that Gene and Paul are disrespecting the name KISS, why should you too? Peter loves Australia and all of the fans there as well, but please show you love him by putting him where he belongs."

After receiving Gigi's reply, Rachel — co-founder of the www.AustralianKissFans.com web site — shot off the following missive:

"We received on our site a copy of an e-mail you have sent to one of our members, in reply to a question regarding the Peter Criss solo tour.

"Here is a response to your alligations directed towards our site, www.AustralianKissFans.com, and its current banner, and also your allegation of our disrespect towards Peter Criss on our site.

"NOW… in regards to the very anally retentive response that was received from yourself....

"The banner was selected by the majority of the fans on this site through a vote at the time when we were choosing one to take on as a symbol to recognise us as Australian KISS fans.

"I personally purchased extremely expensive tickets to see your husband play with Gene, Paul and Ace as part of the Farewell Tour in Adelaide, Australia under the impression that this was going to be the last time I was going to get to see all the original KISS band members in full KISS makeup and costume.

"It may come as a small surprise, but when we received a letter in the mail explaining that Peter had pulled out of the Farewell Tour due to 'ongoing injuries' and offered a full refund on the tickets, we all still went along, and the fact that Eric Singer did finish off the tour at the last minute in full costume and makeup was fantastic, the rest of the band still powered on... If I also recall correctly, this wouldn't be the first time Mr. Criss has pulled out on an Australian tour at the last minute.

"Anyway, the point I am getting at, is that due to that fact that we were told as fans that he was physically unable to drum anymore due to medical disabilities (carpel tunnel, if I remember correctly),it was sad, but accepted and understood by the fans (even though he could have continued along with the tour to show his respect to his Australian fans, even if it was to make a small appearance and sing 'Beth' while someone else took over the drumming).

"Now HE has the nerve to have someone else respond rudely on his behalf to a fan and say:

"Quote: 'If you want Peter Criss to respond to your question then I suggest you put the original band on you banner.'

"As put at the start of the post, the banner was selected by members who were on this forum at the time. Also, the site is a CURRENT and PAST KISS fan site, so [having] current KISS members on the banner is relevant.

"Quote: 'It's bad enough that Gene and Paul are disrespecting the name KISS, why should you too?'

"Someone took the time out to e-mail your husband asking a genuine question as a fan. There is no need for us to hear about all the gripes of the world and you use it as an opening to air your dirty laundry. If Peter has a problem with Gene and Paul, have a go at them, not the fans!

"Quote: Peter loves Australia and all of the fans there as well but please show you love him by putting him where he belongs.'

"The last comment is the one that got me the most, I laughed until I almost cried...

"One comment pretty much sums it up... If Peter really loves Australia and all of the fans, then why in hell did he ditch us twice at the last minute?!? I'm sorry, but the guilt trips just don't work with me anymore.

"Now I will leave you with my closing conclusion to your complete and utter rudeness... Peter should be grateful that fans here in Australia have still stuck by him after how in my honest opinion he has spun us quite clearly a load of bull with his 'disabilities,' which now seem to be more clear as 'hissy fits.'"