Original KISS drummer and “Catman” Peter Criss is breaking his studio silence in a major way. The legendary percussionist is set to release his brand new solo effort, the self-titled Peter Criss, today, December 19. It marks his first solo outing since 2007’s One For All, ending an 18-year wait for fans.
In a candid conversation with Billboard ahead of the release, Criss expressed supreme confidence in the new material and his own performance, revealing that the recording process revitalized him.
“I put my heart and soul into it. My voice, I’m still singing like a bird. Boy, am I lucky,” Criss enthused. “I felt I was in control and I was enjoying myself; you can hear me laughing on the record. We all had a great time, and we all had a part in it. It was like having a dream band. You can feel it in the music. It was just really wonderful. I haven’t had the experience of doing a record like that since maybe KISS‘ first album. I felt like I was 20 years old again.”
While his previous record leaned into ballads and jazzier textures, Criss emphasized that this project is a return to form. He noted that he felt a responsibility to deliver the kind of hard-edged sound his following has been clamoring for.
“There’s a little bit of everything in there. Now that I’m a senior citizen or whatever, I wanted to write a little about politics, a little good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll,” Criss explained to Billboard. “Music is so powerful, as you know. You can really pour your heart and soul into something…and I did. I hope my fans love it. I promised them I would do a rock album after One For All, and I kept my promise.”
To achieve this vision, Criss co-produced the album with Barry Pointer and assembled a formidable backing group. The personnel list reads like a who’s who of rock royalty, featuring bass virtuoso Billy Sheehan and Matthew Montgomery (aka Piggy D.), guitarists John 5 and Mike McLaughlin, and longtime Late Show bandleader Paul Shaffer on piano.
With the album ready to drop, the inevitable question of touring has surfaced. Criss, who has been largely retired from the road, admitted that he is not ruling out a return to live performances if the reception warrants it.
“If the album really knocks the fans out, would I go out? Sure. I wouldn’t mind getting back on stage, getting the guys together to do a couple shows. Why not?” Criss mused. “I’m in pretty good condition for an old guy; everything is working, maybe a little bit of arthritis here and there, but I still play the drums a few times a week. So, yeah, I hope it does get to that point. I’m just gonna let it flow and see how my fans accept it.”
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)
- “Murder” (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)
