Beth (KISS Song)

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Creation Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | Page Was Last Updated on:

Beth was a last minute add in, and positioned at #8 for the destroyer album. However, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons did not want it added in, as they felt it did not fit in to the sound that the album had. Paul and Gene was finally convinced, and the song made KISS History, though some feel that it is over played, and was never really a KISS song, but simply a solo done by Peter Criss, that just happen to be put on a KISS album.

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Background Information
Song Title:Beth  
Band Name: « 
Album Name:«  
Labels: Casablanca 
Song Length:2:45 
Genre:Soft Rock 
Track #: 8 
Member Lineup Information
Lead Vocals:Peter Criss 
Piano: Bob Ezrin 
Acoustic Guitar: Dick Wagner 
Orchestra: New York Philharmonic 
 
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About

The 8th song from the Destroyer album, came this ballad that the hardcore fans disproved of, but the ladies and the younger fans seemed to enjoy. Peter Criss would sing the song during their concerts, sitting on a drum case, and handing out roses to the ladies in the front rows of the show. When asked about this, Peter stated that he handed out roses to the women in the audiences, as a celebration of his mother, and her love for roses.



People's Choice Award

February 10, 1976 Beth went up against Disco Duck and Muskrat Love at the People's Choice Awards. Beth won and KISS announced it at their show that evening.
The appearance of Peter Criss singing Beth, was pre-recorded from the Chicago show. The only people that would have known this fact, would have been the people that attended the KISS concert that evening, and those that were indeed aware of it.

View the Video from that night here. «

Source References
People's Choice Awards 1977 - Dick Van Dyke
2 Things that were mentioned this evening by Dick Van Dyke, were incorrect.

  1. Dick Van Dyke stated that KISS was performing in Chicago that evening, and was unable to make it, so they recorded this song for us tonight.
    However, the awards were viewed on February 10, 1977, and the Chicago concert was January 22, 1977.
    February 10th, KISS Performed at the McElroy Auditorium, Waterloo, IA.
    The footage was recorded for later broadcasting.
    The ending of the provided video, shows Paul Stanley along with the rest of the members of KISS, on stage, and Paul telling the audience about their win of the People's Choice Award. Was this a pre-recorded video in Chicago, and did KISS know nearly a month ahead of time, that they had won? (or) Were they made aware of the win, during the Waterloo, IA show?

  2. Dick Van Dyke, stated at the end of the acceptance speech by Lydia Criss.
    I should mention that accepting for Beth, was the Beth for whom, the song was written, the wife of the Drummer Mrs. Peter Criss. However, this is incorrect. (read below in the Song History)



Song History

The song was originally written about Peter Criss's ex band mate in a band called Chelsea. Peter Criss and Stan Penridge wrote the song, with the title "Beck, What can I do?". Of which, Beck was the nickname of fellow Chelsea member Mike Brand's wife, Becky, who would call often during practices to ask Mike when he was coming home. The song was re-titled to Beth by Bob Ezrin and Gene Simmons.

Source References
Provided by: «
Although according to Paul Stanley, Peter Criss had nothing to do with co-writing the song.



Covers

The

  1. Scudelia Electro - Recorded for the Jigoku No Shosan (KISS Tribute In Japan) February 25, 1998

  2. Ya Baby! String Quartet - Recorded for The String Quartet (Tribute to KISS) April 20, 2004

  3. Stage Dolls - Recorded for the Gods of Thunder (A Norweigian Tribute To KISS) 2005

  4. No Use For A name - Recorded for the Larger Than Life (A Tribute To KISS) CD 1 2003

  5. The Creeps - Recorded for the Covered In Scandinavia (A Kiss Covers Compilation) 1997

  6. Gartnerlosjen - Recorded for the Flaming Youth (A Norwegian Tribute to KISS), on June 1, 2001

  7. Coffin Break - Recorded for the Hard To Believe (A Tribute To KISS) 1992



Lyrics

Listen to a sample of this song here: (Strutter)
Written by: Peter Criss, Stan Penridge, Bob Ezrin

Lyric Change:
"I know you love complaining, but Beck what can I do?"
to
"I think I hear them callin', Oh, Beth what can I do?"

Beth I hear you calling
But I can't come home right now
Me and the boys are playing
And we just can't find the sound
Just a few more hours
And I'll be right home to you
I think I hear them calling
Oh Beth what can I do
Beth what can I do
You say you feel so empty
That our house just ain't our home
I'm always somewhere else
And you're always there alone
Just a few more hours
And I'll be right home to you
I think I hear them calling
Oh Beth what can I do
Beth what can I do



Charting

Source References
The following chart was obtained from the Beth « Page
Charts (1976-77)Peak Position
Australia79
Canada Top Singles5
Canadian Adult Contemporary20
U.S. Billboard Hot 1007
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks14
U.S. Cash Box Top 1007
WLS survey (Chicago)3
Charts (1976)Peak Position
Canada69
U.S. Billboard Hot 10072
U.S. Cash Box92
WLS survey (Chicago)39



Concerts from the 70's

70's KISS Concerts
1977 Concerts Listings
 1978 Concerts Listings