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The Catman's Shocking Comeback: 7 Must-Know Facts About Peter Criss's Explosive 2025 Solo Album And Kiss Legacy

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The legendary Catman is back. As of today, December 18, 2025, the music world is buzzing with the most significant news from founding KISS drummer Peter Criss in years: a surprise announcement that he is releasing a new, hard-rocking solo album. This update shatters the silence following his 2017 retirement from touring and immediately shifts the narrative from his past with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons to a vibrant, new chapter in his career. This self-titled project, set for release in late 2025, marks his first studio effort in nearly two decades, proving that the iconic beat-keeper still has plenty of thunder in his drums and a powerful voice for the rock and roll faithful.

The announcement of a new record, featuring a powerhouse lineup of guest musicians, has ignited the global "Kiss Army" and beyond, confirming that Peter Criss remains a vital and active force in the hard rock genre. While his complex history with the band KISS will forever define his legacy, this new venture is a bold, independent statement from the man who co-wrote one of rock’s most beloved ballads, "Beth." The following deep dive provides the most current information, a complete biography, and the latest context on his enduring relationship with his former bandmates.

Peter Criss: The Catman's Complete Biography and Profile

Peter Criss, born George Peter John Criscuola, is an American musician, actor, and one of the four co-founders of the iconic rock band KISS. Known universally by his stage persona, "The Catman," Criss's drumming style and distinctive vocals were integral to the band's early success and defining sound.

  • Full Name: George Peter John Criscuola
  • Stage Name: Peter Criss (The Catman)
  • Date of Birth: December 20, 1945
  • Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
  • Primary Instrument: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
  • Genres: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Jazz, Swing
  • Years Active: 1964–2017 (Touring), 2025–Present (Recording)
  • Notable Bands: KISS, Chelsea, Lips
  • Signature Songs: "Beth," "Hard Luck Woman," "Black Diamond"
  • KISS Tenure: 1973–1980, 1996–2001, 2002–2004
  • Wife: Gigi Criss (m. 1998)
  • Estimated Net Worth: $2 Million - $5 Million

Criss grew up in a musical family, with a deep passion for jazz, citing drummers like Gene Krupa as major influences. This jazz background gave his drumming a unique swing and complexity that set KISS apart from many of their hard rock contemporaries. His career has been marked by several departures and reunions with KISS, but his status as a founding member alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Ace Frehley is undisputed.

The Explosive 2025 Solo Album: A Hard-Rocking Comeback

The most significant and current news surrounding Peter Criss is his decision to return to the studio for a new solo album, his first official release since 2007’s One for All. This announcement effectively ends his self-declared retirement from music creation, shifting the focus from his past to a vibrant future.

A Star-Studded Lineup and December 2025 Release Date

The new, self-titled album, Peter Criss, is slated for a release date of December 19, 2025. This is a crucial piece of information for the Kiss Army and rock fans, confirming a "hard-rock, kick-ass" return to form. The project is not just a personal endeavor; it features an impressive cast of rock luminaries, dramatically increasing the anticipation and topical authority of the release.

  • Release Title: Peter Criss (Self-Titled)
  • Release Date: December 19, 2025
  • Confirmed Guest Stars:
    • John 5: The current Mötley Crüe guitarist and former Marilyn Manson collaborator.
    • Billy Sheehan: The legendary bassist known for his work with Mr. Big and The Winery Dogs.
    • Paul Shaffer: The renowned musical director and keyboardist for the Late Show with David Letterman.

The involvement of musicians like John 5 and Billy Sheehan signals a commitment to a heavy, contemporary rock sound, contrasting with some of Criss's more jazz-influenced solo work. This collaboration is a powerful statement that Peter Criss is not relying on nostalgia but is actively engaging with the modern rock landscape.

The Enduring Legacy: Peter Criss and the KISS Dynasty

Despite the excitement over his new solo work, Peter Criss's name will forever be synonymous with KISS. His contributions, particularly the power ballad "Beth," remain foundational to the band's success. The song, which he co-wrote, showcased his vocal range and provided a necessary counterpoint to the band's raw, heavy metal anthems like "Detroit Rock City" and "Rock and Roll All Nite."

The 'Catman' Persona and Makeup Era

The Catman makeup, symbolizing his feline grace and tough-guy demeanor, is one of the most recognizable icons in rock history. Criss was instrumental in creating the theatrical element of KISS, which elevated them from a simple rock band to a cultural phenomenon. His initial tenure from 1973 to 1980 produced the band's most classic material, including the albums Destroyer, Love Gun, and Alive!

Reunions, Retirement, and the End of the Road

Criss participated in the highly successful 1996 reunion of the original lineup, which brought the makeup and costumes back to the stage and introduced KISS to a new generation of fans. He toured with the band again in the early 2000s, but his final performance with KISS was in 2004. He officially retired from touring in 2017, stating a desire to spend more time with his family.

While KISS concluded their "End of the Road" tour with a controversial virtual avatar performance, the constant question remains: Will the original lineup ever reunite for a final, one-off performance? As of late 2025, there are no concrete plans for Peter Criss to rejoin Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons on stage. However, the original members, including Criss, were recently honored at the Kennedy Center Honors, a rare public appearance that showcased their enduring cultural impact.

The Ace Frehley Connection and Ongoing Rumors

The relationship between Criss and original lead guitarist Ace Frehley remains a subject of intense fan speculation. Known as "The Spaceman," Frehley and Criss often shared a similar, more detached perspective from the business-minded Stanley and Simmons. Rumors of a joint project or a final "Original Lineup" appearance continue to circulate, fueled by Frehley's occasional open door policy for a reunion. Criss's new solo album, however, demonstrates his focus is currently on his own musical statement rather than a nostalgic KISS reunion tour.

The announcement of the Peter Criss album in late 2025 is the freshest update in the ongoing saga of the founding KISS members. It's a powerful declaration that "The Catman" is still a creative force, ready to deliver a "kick-ass" hard rock record to the world, securing his legacy not just as a rock icon of the past, but as an active musician in the present.

kiss peter criss
kiss peter criss

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