On this day September 9 1980, Peter Criss, the original drummer of KISS, released his second solo album Out of Control. Coming two years after his first self titled solo record, the album showcased Criss stepping further away from the KISS sound, leaning into rock and roll mixed with soulful ballads and personal songwriting.
Out of Control featured tracks like By Myself and the title track Out of Control, where Criss’s raspy vocals and emotional delivery stood at the forefront. Unlike the bombastic style of KISS, this record took a more grounded and introspective approach, showing a different side of his artistry. The album’s cover, featuring Criss breaking through glass, symbolized his attempt to carve out his own identity outside of the band.
Though the album did not achieve major commercial success, it has become a cult favorite among KISS fans and collectors who appreciate its raw honesty and departure from expectations. It also reflected the challenges faced by members of iconic bands trying to establish solo careers in the 1980s.
80s insight: Out of Control highlighted how the 1980s gave rock musicians space to experiment with solo projects, even if they risked moving away from the sound that first made them famous.
Out of Control featured tracks like By Myself and the title track Out of Control, where Criss’s raspy vocals and emotional delivery stood at the forefront. Unlike the bombastic style of KISS, this record took a more grounded and introspective approach, showing a different side of his artistry. The album’s cover, featuring Criss breaking through glass, symbolized his attempt to carve out his own identity outside of the band.
Though the album did not achieve major commercial success, it has become a cult favorite among KISS fans and collectors who appreciate its raw honesty and departure from expectations. It also reflected the challenges faced by members of iconic bands trying to establish solo careers in the 1980s.
80s insight: Out of Control highlighted how the 1980s gave rock musicians space to experiment with solo projects, even if they risked moving away from the sound that first made them famous.
