SINGER Accuses FREHLEY And CRISS Of Hypocrisy In Their Criticisms Of Other People Wearing Their KISS Make-Up

In a brand new interview with RollingStone.com, KISS drummer Eric Singer, who "portrays" original KISS drummer Peter Criss' character in KISS' live show, was asked about the fans' mixed reactions to Singer possibly "duping" some people into thinking Criss is still playing with the band. "I don't look at it like it's sacrilegious," Singer said. "It's just a band. It's just music. No offense. And some people say, 'You don't understand, though.' No, I do understand! Because I was a big fan of, not just KISS, but a lot of bands, myself, when I was younger. But then I became a musician, and I have a different perspective. I know what it's like to be a huge fan, really love a band, and then also know what it's like to be in that band. And that's a unique perspective.

"This is just music. It's not solving the problems of the world.

"You know, the most important thing is — I tell everyone — 'Look around you. If you have a kid, look at your kid. Look at her smiling. Look at your family.' That's life. That's what's really important. Not what some band does."

He continued: "I'm sorry, but I just cannot put so much value and importance on what a fucking band does. I'm sorry! And I don't mean that out of disrespect. If somebody loves a band, and has a passion for it? Great. It's because of fans having passion that bands have a career. But at the same time, you've gotta take a step back and look at the reality, and the reality is, it's just a band."

Pressed about the fact that some people see what he and guitarist Tommy Thayer do in KISS now as almost an impersonation, Singer said: "Here's the thing that's ridiculous. I love when people say that, because the reality is, I'm not impersonating. Because I wear the makeup that he wore? Did they come up with their designs? Yes. Of course. But it's not an extension of their personality. Peter wasn't a cat. Peter Criss was a cat? They had to create a character. You know something? I don't know if he even had a pet cat. Come on, it's ridiculous."

Asked if he tries to play like Peter onstage, Singer replied: "I've always played the way I play. I play like Eric Singer. I don't play like Peter Criss. I don't try to play like Peter Criss. I don't mimic him on stage. Bottom line is, though, am I playing KISS songs? Yes. Am I playing songs that were originally played by Peter, and learning parts that Peter played or originally wrote? Yes, of course. But guess what? I did the same thing when I played in BLACK SABBATH or played with Brian May or played with Alice Cooper."

Eric also accused Criss and original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley of being hypocritical in their criticisms of other people wearing their make-up. "This is something that I notice that nobody seems to point out," Singer said. "When I came in to play with the makeup, Ace was in the band, and had no problem with me playing with Peter's makeup while he went onstage and made that KISS money. In fact, he loved it, and he didn't want Peter back in the band. And then go forward the next year, when Ace decided to leave. When we fast forward, all of a sudden they bring Peter back, and you got Tommy Thayer playing guitar wearing the Ace makeup, and all of a sudden, no one minded it was Ace's makeup design. Peter had no problem, did he?"