Ex-KISS Drummer Shocks Fans With $1,000 Download Price for New Album While Vinyl Sells for $33

Peter Criss really doesn’t want you to buy his new album digitally.

The former Kiss drummer has put his self-titled solo album for sale at industry-standard prices for vinyl ($33) and compact disc ($15), but has set the download price at a staggering $1,000 on his BandCamp page.

Several hours after this article was published, Criss posted the following message to his Facebook page:

BANDCAMP UPDATE

Hello KISS Army!

Bandcamp had become an issue and I had requested Flatiron Recordings to disable the account associated with my records before the release day of my New record on December 19, 2025.
I am not in control of the Bandcamp account. Flatiron Recordings is. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and for the misinformation and implication that I am charging $1,000 for a download of my New record – I am Not. Please contact Flatiron Recordings with any purchase questions. Please find another outlet to purchase My New Peter Criss Rock Record. There is a Linktree on my website www.petercriss.net of outlets to purchase my new record. Just click the link for my record and it will show you the Linktree. Please use one of those instead of Bandcamp.

Digital Confusion Sparks Fan Reaction

The original article continues below.

The Peter Criss album is also currently not available for streaming on major platforms such as iTunes, Spotify or YouTube.

“Digital purchases are discouraged,” reads a note on Criss’ BandCamp page. “That’s why the high price.” However, the site also states that the CD and vinyl editions of Peter Criss come with a download code.

Even without a download code, it’s easy to rip digital files from a CD. So if the plan is to slow illegal file sharing, this is a temporary roadblock at best. Perhaps Criss is simply showing his preference for physical media.

 

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Physical Media Over Downloads

It should also be noted that the album is currently available for digital download on the iTunes store for just $9.99. (It always helps to comparison shop!)

Peter Criss is Criss’ first album since 2007’s One for All, and unlike that jazzy, ballad-heavy effort, it marks his return to straight-ahead rock and roll. Motley Crue guitarist John 5, David Lee Roth / Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan, and keyboardist Paul Shaffer all make guest appearances on the album.

Criss has said in the past that he prefers the sound and experience of physical records, which may explain why vinyl and CD formats were priced normally while downloads raised eyebrows.

High Prices Are Not New for KISS Alumni

Criss isn’t the only Kiss alumni offering new music at unusually high prices. On Sunday, the band’s former lead guitarist Vinnie Vincent announced a brand new single, “Ride the Serpent,” at the jaw-dropping price of $225. Furthermore, Vincent says he’s not going to ship any orders out until (or if) the single receives 1,000 orders.

The pricing choices by former Kiss members have sparked debate among fans about value, access, and how veteran artists choose to release new music today.