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Founding KISS drummer Peter Criss plays what he says will be his final US concert ever

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Mike Pont/Getty Images for AWXIFounding KISS drummer Peter Criss apparently rock ‘n’ rolled all night for the final time in the U.S. this past Saturday. The 71-year-old Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer played an intimate concert at the New York City club The Cutting Room that night that was billed as his last live show ever in the States.

The Asbury Park Press reports that Criss performed a mix of KISS classics and tunes from his solo albums at the concert, splitting his time between playing drums and singing out in front of his backing musicians. Peter was accompanied by Australian rock band Sisters Doll, Alex Salzman on keyboards and Erik Rudic from the New Jersey-based group The Cold Seas on lead guitar. A string and horn section also took part in the show.

During his performance of the KISS smash “Beth,” Criss handed out roses to the audience. Other KISS tunes Peter and his backing group played at the show included “Strutter” and “Hard Luck Woman.” To close out the concert, Peter played the swing standard “Sing Sing Sing,” a song famously recorded by Benny Goodman that featured Gene Krupa — Criss’ drumming mentor.

Reminiscing about his career during the show, Criss said, “My dream was to play Madison Square Garden and my mother and father got to see that.”

He also spoke of his feelings toward his ex-KISS band mates, with whom he’s had an infamously contentious relationship.  “I have no animosity,” said Peter. “I said, forgive to live. You can’t carry that [expletive], it’ll kill you. Life is too damn short.”

According to the Asbury Park Press, Criss may still play some concerts overseas, and is continuing to work on a new album.

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