Founding Kiss drummer and rock icon Peter Criss has released a video recap of his recent trip to the Detroit area, marking his first visit to the city in more than 20 years. The video can be seen down below.
The legendary musician appeared for an exclusive two-day meet-and-greet event on April 24-25, 2026, at Rock City Music Company in Livonia, Michigan.
The event celebrated the release of his latest solo album, Peter Criss, which arrived in late 2025. For the fans in attendance, the appearance offered a rare opportunity to connect with the “Catman” in an intimate setting within a city that has long been a stronghold for Kiss history.
Speaking to Fox 2 Detroit about his return to the Motor City, Peter Criss expressed a deep emotional connection to the region:
“It’s almost like coming home. Detroit, they took us under their arms at such level when we first played here at the [Michigan] Palace, which is gone — Cobo [Arena] is gone; Tiger Stadium, all these great places are gone. But we wondered how Detroit Motor City was gonna handle us — the makeup and the whole shenanigans. And they just fell in love with us — from Cadillac to Flint, they banded [together in an attempt to get] the stations [to play] our music. And then we played Cadillac High School, in their auditorium on their prom, and it became like a home to us. Actually, we got a bigger response here when we did our reunion at Tiger Stadium, which it’s sad that it’s not there, than we did in New York. [New York] didn’t give us such a welcoming. And I feel like … I’m back where I belong. I’m in Motor City, man. Motown Records. This is the place. So I’m excited. I feel like a kid in a candy store.”
The new album, Peter Criss, marks the drummer’s first solo studio effort since 2007’s One For All. The record was co-produced by Peter Criss and Barry Pointer, whose previous credits include work with Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe, and Dolly Parton.
The LP features a high-profile lineup of guest musicians, including bassists Billy Sheehan and Matthew Montgomery (also known as Piggy D.), guitarists John 5 and Mike McLaughlin, and pianist Paul Shaffer. The album also includes backing vocals from Dennis Collins, Sharon Collins, and Cat Manning.
As a founding member of Kiss, Peter Criss was instrumental in the band’s rise to global superstardom during the 1970s. Beyond his distinctive drumming style, he provided lead vocals for several of the group’s most enduring hits, including the massive power ballad “Beth“, as well as the classics “Black Diamond” and “Hard Luck Woman“.
Though Peter Criss first left Kiss in 1980, he returned for a highly successful reunion tour in the mid-1990s and performed his final shows with the band in 2004 before being replaced by Eric Singer. This latest solo project and Detroit appearance signify a significant chapter for the 80-year-old musician as he re-engages with his musical legacy and his dedicated fanbase.
Peter Criss track listing:
- “Rock, Rockin’, Rock & Roll” (feat. Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer)
- “In The Dark” (feat. Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer)
- “For The Money” (feat. Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer)
- “M*rder” (feat. Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer)
- “Walking On Water” (feat. Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer)
- “Creepy Crawlers” (feat. John 5, Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer)
- “Justice” (feat. John 5, Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer)
- “Cheaper To Keep Her” (feat. Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer)
- “Sugar” (feat. Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer)
- “Rubberneckin’” (feat. John 5, Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer)
- “Hard Rock Knockers” (feat. Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer) (Bonus Track)
