Beloved '90s Rocker Denies Rumors: ‘It's Totally Ridiculous'
A longtime drummer best known for his work with legendary rock band KISS is firmly denying a wave of rumors circulating among fans, calling the claims "totally ridiculous."
Eric Singer addressed the issue during a recent public question-and-answer session, making it clear that the stories being spread online have no truth behind them.
Singer, who has been a key part of KISS for decades across multiple periods, spoke openly and confidently about his role in the band's history and his approach to performing.
His comments were recorded during a Q&A session at a KISS Fan Expo event in Indianapolis, where he responded directly to questions about his playing style, past band decisions and long-standing fan debates.
Singer addressed rumors suggesting he was instructed to imitate former KISS drummer Peter Criss in both style and stage performance.
He dismissed the idea completely, saying: "That's completely ridiculous. I've never once been told to do that. Never."
Singer further clarified that his drumming style has always been his own and not a copy of anyone else's past work in the band. He added that anyone who has watched him perform over the years would notice that his approach is distinct and consistent.
He also emphasized: "So, when people say that, it's totally ridiculous."
For Singer, the issue appears to stem from misunderstandings among fans about how KISS evolved over time and how its lineup changed while still maintaining its signature image.
KISS, formed in 1973 in New York City, became one of the most recognizable rock bands in the world thanks to its theatrical performances, face paint personas and high-energy stage shows. Over the decades, the group went through multiple lineup changes while maintaining its identity and global popularity.
Singer joined the band in the early 1990s and became a recurring member across several eras. His first major run began after the passing of original drummer Eric Carr, eventually playing on albums such as Revenge and Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions before rejoining again in the early 2000s.
He later became part of what is considered KISS's final long-term lineup, performing alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and guitarist Tommy Thayer for many years.
During the Q&A, Singer explained that band continuity is not unusual in rock history. He pointed to other well-known groups that have continued performing despite member changes, arguing that what matters most is the quality of the music.
He said that as long as the band respects its legacy and performs well, audiences should still be able to enjoy the experience, even if the lineup is different from the original.
Singer also shared insights into his long career as a touring and studio musician. Beyond KISS, he has performed with major rock acts including Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Brian May and Gary Moore, contributing to over 75 albums throughout his career.
He also discussed how KISS eventually entered a busy touring period starting in the late 2000s, continuing strong until the group's final touring chapter concluded in 2023.
One of the ongoing tensions Singer addressed is fan reaction to newer members wearing the iconic makeup originally associated with earlier KISS members. The band's characters, such as the Catman persona once linked to Peter Criss, remain a major part of its identity.
Singer acknowledged that some fans struggle with these changes but argued that performance quality matters more than strict lineup history.
He explained that he does not play differently when in makeup versus out of it, adding that audience perception often creates differences that are not actually present on stage.
His remarks suggest that while debates about authenticity continue online, the musicians themselves see continuity in the band's sound and performance.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 10:29 PM.