Peter Criss, the original “Catman” and founding drummer of rock legends Kiss, made a surprise return to the stage earlier this week, treating a select crowd to an intimate rendition of his signature ballad, “Beth.”
The performance took place on November 21 at the Cutting Room in New York City during a VIP fundraiser for the Music Treatment Foundation, held in conjunction with the 2025 Underwater Sunshine Festival. Criss was accompanied during the emotional set by renowned bandleader and pianist Paul Shaffer, as well as vocalist Catherine Russell. Fan-filmed footage of the appearance has since surfaced online, capturing the 79-year-old musician in high spirits.
This rare public performance serves as a prelude to a significant milestone in Criss‘ career: his return to studio recording. As previously confirmed, the drummer is set to release a brand new solo album, titled Peter Criss, on December 19. This marks his first solo effort since 2007’s One For All, ending an 18-year gap in his discography.
The upcoming record, co-produced by Criss and Barry Pointer, promises to be a heavier affair than his previous jazz-influenced outings. To achieve this, Criss has assembled a formidable lineup of guest musicians. The album credits include John 5 (current Mötley Crüe guitarist), bass virtuoso Billy Sheehan, guitarist Mike McLaughlin, and Matthew Montgomery (better known as Piggy D.). Paul Shaffer also contributes piano work to the studio recordings.
In an interview earlier this year with “The Rock Experience With Mike Brunn,” Criss expressed his enthusiasm for the project, describing the personnel as a “dream team.”
“I got great players on it… I got Piggy from Rob Zombie. So it’s like a dream team band,” Criss stated. “And it’s a real Peter Criss album. It’s an album I always wanted to do. And hopefully the fans will like it.”
A statement on the album’s official Bandcamp page touts the release as “the Catman’s return to form” and describes it as “his most rock driven solo album ever.” Physical copies and digital downloads of the album will include a bonus track titled “Hard Rock Knockers.”
Video courtesy: James Campion
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