[Dana’s note: While this news seems to be two months old, Robert Davenport was kind enough to send it along to me, for posting. Thank you Robert, for passing this news along.]
Peter Criss, the co-founding drummer of rock veterans KISS, has announced the release of his first solo album in almost two decades.
News of Criss’ forthcoming LP was announced via a short video from fansite KissFAQ, where band historian Julian Gill shared details of the record.
“I have an announcement,” Criss tells fans in the video. “I have my new rock and roll album to [share with] you KISS Army guys coming out in the fall, and I really hope you like it, man. And I wanna say God bless to each and every one of you.”
Gill then took over with the reporting, noting that the record is a “hard rock, kick-ass album” that features the production work of Barry Pointer, while Criss is joined by guitarists John 5 and Mike McLaughlin, bassists Billy Sheehan and Matthew Montgomery, and pianist Paul Shaffer. The record also features the talents of backing vocalists Dennis and Sharron Collins, and Cathryn Manning.
“I was honored to listen to this album at Peter’s studio with him last night, and it was absolutely amazing to hear this new music,” adds Gill. “It was vibrant and powerful.
“I’m so excited for it to be released, and I think KISS fans are gonna love this album. Peter’s drum sound is absolutely massive and his vocals are powerful. Barry Pointer’s production is stunning, and Peter’s got an incredible group of musicians and background vocalists behind him.”
The as-yet-untitled studio album will be Criss’ first solo release since 2007’s One for All, which itself arrived 13 years after his previous solo release…
…Criss initially departed KISS in 1980, having performed his last show with the band in December 1979. He would later rejoin the band in 1996 as part of their original lineup reunion, and following a brief departure in 2001, would rejoin the band until his final exit in 2004.
additional source: billboard.com
10 Responses
Yea I read this a while ago, good for Peter! The Catman lives! 9 lives and counting! 😉
All I can say is, I love Peter and hope this release is better than One for All – that should be an attainable goal.
John 5 is a huge kiss fan , Billy Sheehan is a monster musician. Hopefully this album has actual great songs, and Pete’s vocals are strong with solid drumming – I’m really looking forward to this release
His voice on all those Kiss songs were so distinct and great.Without him singing them, those songs would not have been great. He definitely made some bad decisions in kiss and Gene and Paul cashed in.You would think his solo stuff would be a little better. Maybe John 5 can do him justice! Where is that new Motley album?
George –
I think Peter’s 78 solo was fantastic with a number of ballads and up-tempo jazz inspired songs.
Never understood why is was panned as bad as it was – oh gee it wasn’t a rock record.
As for his other solo efforts – some were hit and miss – out of all of them you could put together one good record.
I hope this new effort come off well.
John 5? Eh….sorry, just not a fan.