Drum stick manufacturer Pro-Mark has announced two new Autograph Models bearing the autograph of legendary KISS drummer Peter Criss. According to their website, the TXR3JW, also known as the JazzCat, is 16 1/8" long and .512" (13mm) in diameter. It is made of American hickory with an "arrowhead" shaped tip and ‘Natural’ finish. The 3J is a relatively thin and long stick, like a Pro-Mark TXJZW stick, and is designed for lighter playing applications. The imprint on the JazzCat was hand-drawn by Peter. The TX3RW is 16 1/8" long and .531" (13.5mm) in diameter with a short taper for a more front-heavy rock feel. It is made of American hickory with a modified oval-shaped tip and Millennium II finish. Suggested retail price for the TXR3JW and TX3RW is $13.45, and both are in stock for immediate delivery.

Pro-Mark caught up with Peter recently and asked a few questions to find out what he's been up to lately... here's what he had to say:

What is your current project?

Peter: "My new CD is called "One For All" and it is coming out July 24! This is my solo project that is 2 years in the making with me composing, producing, singing, drumming/percussion and arranging."

If you teach, how many students do you have?

Peter: "A lot of my fans tell me they are drummers today because of my playing and songs, but I don't teach...I don't want to kill my students."

How much traveling do you do in a year?

Peter: "Four years ago was my last tour with KISS. That tour started in 1996! I'm going to tour again with my new band."

How long have you been playing? Self taught? Formal lessons?

Peter: "I've been playing for 40 years! I'm self taught but got some lessons from the great Jim Chapin later in my career."

When did you decide to make music your profession?

Peter: "I heard Gene Krupa play Sing, Sing, Sing when I was 10 years old... I wanted to be him... I wanted to be a drummer!"

Who/what are some of your major influences?

Peter: "Gene Krupa, Charlie Watts, Chick Webb, John Bonham, Keith Moon and Dino Danelli."

Do you have any specific rehearsal and/or practice techniques?

Peter: "I play on my pad all the time... I have one next to the TV! And I play every day in my drum studio in my house."

Studio, miking, or tuning techniques?

Peter: "I am blessed to have a studio in my home. I can work it to a certain degree but I always use my engineer for the hard stuff."

What equipment do you use?

Peter: "DW, Zildjian, DW Hardware and Pro-Mark!"

What’s in your CD player right now?

Peter: "My new swing CD that we just finished... coming out soon!"

Do you have any family (Husband, wife, kids, pets)?

Peter: "Yes, I have a family."

How do you spend your free time? Hobbies?

Peter: "I ride my bike, spend time in the gym, write songs, watch DVD's and shop for old black and white movies."

Any life lessons or important philosophies you have learned along the way?

Peter: "Keep playing, never stop! It is a gift from God, not many have it... you are special!"

What’s your best and most memorable experience?

Peter: "Playing Madison Square Garden and my Mom and Dad being there to share my dream come true."

Any embarrassing moments you’d care to share with us?

Peter: "Singing 'Beth' in a concert and forgetting the words."

What drives you crazy?

Peter: "The phone!"

Any advice for aspiring musicians and students?

Peter: "Drummer willing to do anything to make it! Don't sell your soul..."

Anything else that you want the world to know about you?

Peter: "I would like to say "Thank You" to my fans for the wonderful life you have given me and my family... God Bless!"