Original Kiss drummer named 'Drum Legend'

Original Kiss drummer Peter Criss was inducted last night (Saturday, January 14) as part of the latest Drum Legend class during the grand finals of Guitar Center's annual Drum-Off at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California.

The Drum Legend induction honors icons in the drum world that have paved the way for today's drummers. The award is given to those that have made significant contributions to the craft and have hugely influenced players by their style and illustrious musical career. Past inductees include John Bonham, Billy Cobham, Nicko McBrain, Steve Smith, Dave Garibaldi, Alan White, and Greg Errico.

Criss was one of the founders of Kiss in 1973 and was officially fired from the band on May 18, 1980 - dure to his problems with drugs. He then returned in 1996, when Kiss did a reunion tour with all four original members, to leave again in 2001. He got back in the band the following year, but lasted until 2004, when the band decided not to renew his contract.