“Beth” – The History and The Song

If you followed the Girly-man Song post below you know what this post is for. Here it is guys. The song and everything you ever wanted to know about it.

• The original title was “Beck,” the nickname of songwriter Stan Penridge’s girlfriend Becky. Penridge was the guitar player of the band Peter Criss was in before he met Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and formed Kiss. Additional lyrics were added by Peter Criss and producer Bob Ezrin.

• Peter Criss was Best Man at Stan’s wedding. Ace Frehley was also in the bridal party.

• Stan Penridge co-wrote the songs on Peter’s solo album and played guitar on most of the album.

• This was intended as a B-side, not a single.

• This was a rare ballad for Kiss. Criss sang lead

• Although this was not typical of their sound, this was the biggest hit for Kiss

• Sitcom writer Paul Simms named the obnoxious secretary character from NewsRadio Beth after this song. The character had “no last name.”

• Criss’ wife Lydia was nicknamed “Beth,” but this was just a coincidence