Peter Criss, rock and roll icon and founding drummer of KISS, took part in an exclusive meet-and-greet event on April 24th-25th at Rock City Music Company in Livonia, Michigan. The appearance celebrated the release of Criss‘s latest solo album, Peter Criss, his first solo record since 2007. Even more significant for fans in the Motor City, this appearance was Peter Criss‘s first visit to Detroit in more than 20 years — making it a rare and unforgettable opportunity to meet the legendary “Catman” up close and personal.
Speaking to Fox 2 Detroit, Criss stated about his return to the city, “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.”
Best known as “The Catman” of KISS, Criss helped define the sound and attitude of one of the most influential bands in rock history. Now, he returns with new music and a chance for fans to connect with him in an intimate setting.
Released in December 2025, Peter Criss was co-produced by Crissalongside Barry Pointer, who has worked with Ozzy Osbourne, John 5, Mötley Crüe, Steve Stevens, Pearl Aday and Dolly Parton. Joining the legendary KISS musician on the LP are Billy Sheehan and Matthew Montgomery (a.k.a. Piggy D.) on bass, John 5 and Mike McLaughlin on guitar and Paul Shaffer on piano. The record also features the talents of backing vocalists Dennis and Sharon Collins, and Cat Manning of CAT 5.
ORIGIBAListen to the single, Creepy Crawlers, here.
The album is Criss‘s first solo release since 2007’s One For All, which arrived 13 years after his previous solo release.
3 Responses
Happy to see Peter out and being social.
his crazy drumming is actually in time as it throws the tempo around…..if Paul and Gene had wanted these hot shot players in their band like they ended up getting, they would’ve picked Bob Kulick and whomever on drums in the first place…give Paul and Gene credit, they heard something beyond that: real Blues, and real Soul, this complete beast that was Kiss, and Peter Criss is the only reason Kiss’ music has Soul.
Peter, I love ya to pieces, but please, please leave the politics out of the music!! That’s what that boring moron Bob Dylan is for! Music supposed to be an ESCAPE from all that crap, not a reminder! Politics have NO business in music! Rock on Catman!