Original KISS drummer Peter Criss has revealed that one of the most personal tracks on his new solo album was born from his battle with breast cancer and his deep religious faith.
In a recent interview with Julian Gill, Lonnie Weischaar and Ken Keenan of the KissFAQ podcast, Criss discussed the inspiration behind “Walking On Water,” a song featured on his latest solo record, Peter Criss, which was released on December 19, 2025.
Asked how significant the song is to him, Criss described it as deeply meaningful. He explained that after being diagnosed with breast cancer, he turned to prayer, spending extensive time in church and relying on his faith throughout his treatment. According to Criss, his recovery felt nothing short of miraculous.
“I really prayed very, very hard,” he said. “God gave me my miracle. And I felt — and I kid you not — that I really could walk on water.”
Criss went on to compare the emotional experience to the ending of the film Being There, in which the character Chauncey Gardner appears to walk on water. He said the feeling of being cured left him elated and spiritually uplifted, motivating him to write a religious song that reflected his inner emotions.
“I always sing from the heart,” Criss said. “Everything comes from my heart. ‘Walking On Water’ is special. It’s one of my favorite songs on the album.”
He also praised the musicianship on the track, highlighting Paul Shaffer’s organ performance and calling the band’s overall contribution “dynamite.” Beyond its musical elements, the song represents a personal milestone in his life, symbolizing his recovery and ongoing commitment to raising awareness about male breast cancer. Criss has regularly participated in fundraising efforts for men’s breast cancer each October.
Now 80 years old, Criss made it clear that retirement is not in his plans. He said he intends to continue writing and recording music for as long as his health allows, describing music as a gift from God.
“I’ll never stop,” he said. “I ain’t stopping until they put me in the box. Music is a gift, and I’m blessed to be able to keep creating.”
Criss has spoken openly for years about his breast cancer diagnosis, which began when he discovered a lump in his left nipple in December 2007. He has consistently urged men to overcome the misconception that breast cancer only affects women, stressing that early detection saved his life.
In past interviews with Reuters, CNN, and other outlets, Criss criticized the stigma surrounding male breast cancer and encouraged men to seek medical attention immediately if they notice unusual symptoms. He has repeatedly emphasized that embarrassment and “macho” attitudes can delay diagnosis and have fatal consequences.
Surviving the disease, Criss said, ultimately became a blessing, giving him a renewed sense of purpose and a platform to raise awareness about a rare but serious condition.
Peter Criss was co-produced by Criss and Barry Pointer, whose credits include work with Ozzy Osbourne, John 5, Mötley Crüe, Steve Stevens, Pearl Aday and Dolly Parton. The album features an all-star lineup including Billy Sheehan and Matthew Montgomery (Piggy D.) on bass, John 5 and Mike McLaughlin on guitar, and Paul Shaffer on piano, along with backing vocalists Dennis and Sharon Collins and Cat Manning of CAT 5.
The record marks Criss’s first solo release since 2007’s One For All, which itself arrived 13 years after his previous solo effort.
Criss originally left KISS in 1980 but later reunited with the band during the 1990s reunion tour and again in 2004. Best known to fans as “Catman,” he also provided lead vocals on several of KISS’s most enduring songs, including “Beth,” “Black Diamond” and “Hard Luck Woman.”
His most recent appearance with the surviving original members of KISS came during the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, although the group did not perform at the ceremony. In December 2025, Criss, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons were honored with a Kennedy Center Honor.
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley died on October 16, 2025, at the age of 74 following an accidental fall at his New Jersey home, according to the Morris County Medical Examiner.
As Criss continues to create music well into his eighth decade, “Walking On Water” stands as both a testament to his faith and a deeply personal reflection on survival, gratitude and the enduring power of music.
