New Peter Criss Autograph Models From Pro-Mark

Pro-Mark is pleased to announce two new Autograph Models bearing the autograph of legendary KISS drummer Peter Criss!

The TXR3JW, also known as the JazzCat, is 16 1/8" long and .512" (13mm) in diameter. It is made of American hickory with an "arrowhead" shaped tip and ‘Natural’ finish. The 3J is a relatively thin and long stick, like a Pro-Mark TXJZW stick, and is designed for lighter playing applications. The imprint on the JazzCat was hand-drawn by Peter.

The TX3RW is 16 1/8" long and .531" (13.5mm) in diameter with a short taper for a more front-heavy rock feel. It is made of American hickory with a modified oval-shaped tip and Millennium II® finish.

Suggested retail price for the TXR3JW and TX3RW is $13.45, and both are in stock for immediate delivery.

We caught up with Peter recently and asked a few questions to find out what he's been up to lately... here's what he had to say:

• What is your current project?
  • Peter: My new CD is called "One For All" and it is coming out July 24! This is my solo project that is 2 years in the making with me composing, producing, singing, drumming/percussion and arranging.
• If you teach, how many students do you have?
  • Peter: A lot of my fans tell me they are drummers today because of my playing and songs, but I don't teach...I don't want to kill my students... ;-)
• How much traveling do you do in a year?
  • Peter: Four years ago was my last tour with KISS. That tour started in 1996! I'm going to tour again with my new band.
• How long have you been playing? Self taught? Formal lessons?
  • Peter: I've been playing for 40 years! I'm self taught but got some lessons from the great Jim Chapin later in my career.
• When did you decide to make music your profession?
  • Peter: I heard Gene Krupa play Sing, Sing, Sing when I was 10 years old... I wanted to be him... I wanted to be a drummer!
• Who/what are some of your major influences?
  • Peter: Gene Krupa, Charlie Watts, Chick Webb, John Bonham, Keith Moon and Dino Danelli...
• Do you have any specific rehearsal and/or practice techniques?
  • Peter: I play on my pad all the time... I have one next to the TV! And I play every day in my drum studio in my house.
• Studio, miking, or tuning techniques?
  • Peter: I am blessed to have a studio in my home. I can work it to a certain degree but I always use my engineer for the hard stuff.
• What equipment do you use?
  • Peter: DW, Zildjian, DW Hardware and Pro-Mark!
• What’s in your CD player right now?
  • Peter: My new swing CD that we just finished... coming out soon!
• Do you have any family (Husband, wife, kids, pets)?
  • Peter: Yes, I have a family :-)
• How do you spend your free time? Hobbies?
  • Peter: I ride my bike, spend time in the gym, write songs, watch DVD's and shop for old Black and White Movies.
• Any life lessons or important philosophies you have learned along the way?
  • Peter: Keep playing, never stop! It is a gift from God, not many have it... you are special!
• What’s your best and most memorable experience?
  • Peter: Playing Madison Square Garden and my Mom and Dad being there to share my dream come true.
• Any embarrassing moments you’d care to share with us?
  • Peter: Singing "Beth" in a concert and forgetting the words.
• What drives you crazy?
  • Peter: The phone!
• Any advice for aspiring musicians and students?
  • Peter: "Drummer willing to do anything to make it!" Don't sell your soul...
• Anything else that you want the world to know about you?
  • I would like to say "Thank You" to my fans for the wonderful life you have given me and my family... God Bless!