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But despite Kiss‘ wild success, not all was well behind the scenes. Criss admitted in later years that he “O.D.’d on fame,” and developed a drug problem in the process, leading to a serious car crash in 1978 and unpredictable behavior. It was that same year that all four members released solo albums, as Criss’ disco-laced release hinted that he was moving away from Kiss’ familiar hard rock sound. Criss left Kiss in 1980 amidst rumors of a breakup swirling (it became known in later years that Criss didn’t play on most of 1979’s Dynasty and not even a note on 1980’s Unmasked, despite being credited on both). Criss automatically launched a solo career with such releases as 1980’s Out of Control and 1982’s Let Me Rock You, but fans were reluctant to embrace Criss’ new, mature soft rock sound (besides the fact that Kiss themselves were experiencing a nosedive in popularity). Criss attempted to resurface with other bands throughout the rest of the ’80s (such as the Alliance and Balls of Fire, both of which didn’t issue any recordings), but didn’t release another album until 1994’s independent Criss Cat #1. On a humorous note, Criss appeared on an episode of Phil Donahue in the late ’80s when an imposter appeared on the show pretending to be Criss, claiming he was penniless and homeless. Peter speaks with Shadoe from his home in Wall, New Jersey.
Host: JADonnelly

Shadoe Steele: Musicologist