DEE SNIDER, the outspoken frontman of TWISTED SISTER, has once again found himself addressing questions about his long and complicated relationship with KISS. This time, the discussion surfaced after SNIDER publicly celebrated the birthday of KISS drummer PETER CRISS, prompting a fan to revisit past criticisms SNIDER has made about the legendary rock band.
The exchange unfolded on X, where DEE SNIDER shared a tribute honoring PETER CRISS, widely regarded as one of rock’s most influential drummers. While the post was intended as a gesture of respect and admiration, it quickly sparked debate among fans who remembered SNIDER’s previous critiques of KISS.
A Birthday Tribute Sparks Renewed Debate
In his original post, DEE SNIDER offered warm praise for PETER CRISS, highlighting both his legacy and recent milestones.
Transcribed by X:
“Happy birthday to the OG, the one and only Catman, the legend, my friend, Peter Criss! And what a way to rock the next decade: with the Kennedy Honors and a new album!”
The message was celebratory and respectful. However, shortly after it was posted, a fan questioned SNIDER’s sincerity by referencing his earlier comments about KISS.
Fan Comment Prompts a Blunt Response
The fan replied with a pointed remark that quickly gained attention.
Transcribed by X:
“Remember when Dee hated KISS?”
Rather than ignoring the comment, DEE SNIDER responded directly. As expected, his reply was candid, unfiltered, and unmistakably his own.
Transcribed by X:
“Idiots like you never got me,” he responded. “You can love a band and be critical of things they say or do. (Like disco songs! Ugh!) Rockstars are not gods. I’m in awe of my heroes…but they don’t get a free pass!”
Admiration and Criticism Can Coexist
Through his response, DEE SNIDER made it clear that admiration for a band does not require blind loyalty. According to him, respecting artists also means holding them accountable for creative choices that deserve scrutiny.
Over the years, SNIDER has consistently maintained this stance. While he has openly praised KISS for their influence, stage presence, and impact on rock culture, he has also criticized certain creative decisions, particularly moments when the band strayed from what he viewed as their core identity.
Importantly, SNIDER has never denied KISS’s place in rock history. Instead, his comments reflect a belief that legends should not be immune from honest discussion.
A Feud That Has Spanned Years
This exchange is only the latest chapter in what many fans describe as a long-running feud between DEE SNIDER and members of KISS. Over the years, disagreements have surfaced through interviews, social media posts, and public statements, often reigniting debate among rock fans.
At times, tensions have escalated due to SNIDER’s outspoken nature. However, he has remained consistent in his position. He respects the legacy of KISS, yet refuses to treat any band or musician as untouchable.
That perspective has earned him both praise and criticism. Some fans appreciate his honesty, while others view his comments as unnecessarily confrontational. Still, SNIDER has never shied away from expressing his views.
Why PETER CRISS Still Commands Respect
Despite any broader disagreements with KISS, DEE SNIDER’s admiration for PETER CRISS has remained clear. As one of the original members of KISS, CRISS played a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound during their formative years.
Moreover, PETER CRISS’s influence extends beyond KISS, inspiring countless drummers across generations. His recent recognition, including honors and new music, further reinforces his enduring impact.
By celebrating CRISS, SNIDER demonstrated that his criticisms of KISS have never been personal attacks on individual members. Instead, they have focused on creative decisions and public statements.
Rockstars Are Not Untouchable
One of the most notable elements of DEE SNIDER’s response was his insistence that rock musicians should not be treated as gods. According to him, placing artists on untouchable pedestals ultimately harms meaningful discussion about music and creativity.
This viewpoint aligns closely with SNIDER’s broader public persona. Throughout his career, he has spoken openly about censorship, artistic freedom, and accountability. As a result, his comments about KISS fit into a much larger pattern of advocacy rather than personal animosity.
Additionally, his willingness to call out decisions he disagrees with has helped keep conversations about rock music honest and evolving.
Fan Reactions Remain Divided
As expected, the exchange sparked strong reactions online. Some fans applauded DEE SNIDER for standing his ground and articulating a nuanced perspective. Others, however, felt his tone was unnecessarily harsh.
Nevertheless, the conversation underscored an important reality. Rock history is complex, and relationships between artists are rarely black and white. Admiration and criticism often exist side by side, especially among musicians who share decades of overlapping influence.
A Consistent Message From DEE SNIDER
Ultimately, DEE SNIDER’s latest comments reinforce a message he has repeated for years. Loving a band does not mean agreeing with every decision they make. Likewise, criticizing aspects of a band does not erase appreciation for their achievements.
For SNIDER, respecting KISS means engaging with their legacy honestly. That includes praising members like PETER CRISS while also questioning moments that deserve debate.
As rock music continues to age alongside its legends, voices like DEE SNIDER’s ensure that conversations remain dynamic rather than frozen in nostalgia.
