Eric Singer

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Singer's journey with KISS began in December 1991, filling the void left by Eric Carr. He initially joined to fill in on some tracks while Carr recuperated from heart cancer but officially became the drummer for the band shortly after. His first major album with the group was Revenge (1992), followed by a tour that ran until 1996. That year, the band reunited with original members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley for the Alive/Worldwide Tour, leading to Singer's departure. Five years later, in 2001, he was asked to rejoin after Criss left shortly before the Australian and Japanese leg of the Farewell tour. This return marked a significant turning point: Singer debuted in full "Catman" makeup and costume for the first time, a persona previously exclusive to Criss. Although Criss replaced him again in late 2002, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley opted not to renew his contract in early 2004, bringing Singer back permanently. In 2008, Peter Criss commented on this dynamic, stating he thought Singer was a great drummer despite being upset about the use of his image.

In Their Own Story

The transition from session player to permanent fixture defined Singer's tenure. After leaving Black Sabbath in 1987 to tour with Gary Moore, he joined Badlands for their self-titled debut before leaving in 1989 to tour as Paul Stanley's drummer. By December 1991, the band needed a new voice behind the kit. Singer, who had previously worked with Stanley on his club tour alongside Bob Kulick two years prior, stepped up. The stakes were high; he was originally slated just to fill in for an ailing Eric Carr but ended up recording Revenge and touring until 1996. When he returned in 2001, the visual stakes were higher. Singer donned the "Catman" makeup, causing some controversy as it had been Criss's signature look. He navigated this carefully, proving his worth on albums like Sonic Boom (2009), where he sang lead vocals on a track written by Stanley and Simmons, and Monster (2012). His ability to adapt was evident when he replaced Cozy Powell in The Brian May Band in 1998 following Powell's death, showcasing the versatility that made him indispensable to KISS.

Reader's Guide

Eric Singer's career is defined by specific eras and roles. He began his professional drumming with Beau Coup before becoming Lita Ford's touring drummer in 1984. His time with Black Sabbath included recording Seventh Star (1986) and The Eternal Idol (1987). In KISS, he operated under two primary personas: the Catman (2001–2002, 2004–present) and previously as a non-makeup drummer during his first stint. He also played in Paul Stanley's side project Soul Station, performing soul covers, and led his own band, ESP, which released Lost and Spaced (1998), Live in Japan (2006), and the DVD Live at the Marquee (2006). His equipment is specific: he uses Pearl drums with a signature snare series, Zildjian cymbals and "Eric Singer Artist Series" sticks, Remo drumheads, and ddrum triggers. Fans should note his appearances on over 75 albums, including work with Alice Cooper (Brutal Planet, The Eyes of Alice Cooper, Along Came a Spider) and Avantasia.

Did You Know?

• Singer was born Eric Doyle Mensinger in Cleveland, Ohio, and grew up in Euclid.
• He appeared in the Wes Craven film Shocker (1989) as a member of a fictional rock band.
• In 2004, Singer recorded drums for two tracks on Italian singer Chris Catena's debut album Freak Out.
• Singer replaced Cozy Powell in The Brian May Band in 1998 after Powell died earlier that year.
• He obtained the gig to play in Olivia Newton-John's "Culture Shock" music video because he was working for Lita Ford at the time.