Original KISS drummer Peter Criss has emphatically denied reports suggesting he was charging fans $1,000 for a digital download of his newly released solo album. The misunderstanding stemmed from a pricing anomaly on the album’s Bandcamp page, leading many fans to assume the exorbitant figure was intentional — a claim Criss says is incorrect and out of his control.
Criss’ self-titled record, his first new solo release since 2007’s One For All, became available on December 19, 2025. Shortly after the launch, users noticed that the digital version on Bandcamp was listed at $1,000, while the vinyl and compact disc editions were priced at $32.98 and $14.98, respectively. A note on the Bandcamp page read, “Digital purchases are discouraged. That’s why the high price.” — a message many interpreted as Criss deliberately deterring digital sales.
Reacting to the uproar, Criss took to social media to clarify the situation and distance himself from the premium digital pricing. In a statement addressed to his fan base, he explained that he does not control the Bandcamp listing and had actually asked his label, Flatiron Recordings, to disable the account associated with his releases before the album’s launch. According to Criss, the $1,000 price tag and discouraging message were aspects of that Bandcamp error — not a deliberate marketing strategy by him.
“I am not in control of the Bandcamp account. Flatiron Recordings is,” Criss wrote.
“I apologize for any inconvenience… and for the misinformation and implication that I am charging $1,000 for a download of my new record — I am Not.”
He encouraged fans with questions about purchases to contact the label directly and to buy the album through other authorized outlets listed on his official link page.
Criss also pointed fans to his official website, where a Linktree directs buyers to outlets where the album can be purchased legitimately and reasonably — including a digital download on the iTunes store for $9.99.
The digital pricing confusion added an unexpected twist to the release of Criss’ first solo album in 18 years, which features a lineup of acclaimed musicians including Billy Sheehan, John 5, Paul Shaffer, Mike McLaughlin, and Piggy D. — and blends rock, political commentary and personal themes, including his own battle with cancer.
With the pricing issue now clarified, Criss’ focus remains on connecting with fans and letting the music speak for itself — whether people choose physical copies, standard digital downloads, or other formats to enjoy his latest work.
