Peter Criss, the original drummer for the rock band KISS, said he considers surviving breast cancer “a miracle”, sharing a heartfelt reflection on his health journey and what it has meant to him personally and creatively.
He opened up on the Saturday, January 3, episode of KissFAQ podcast.
The 80-year-old told hosts he believes the outcome of his battle with breast cancer felt extraordinary and beyond expectation.
Chris’ Faith Helped Him Get Through
The veteran musician said that part of what made the experience so profound was the way he had to confront fear, uncertainty and the physical toll of treatment.
“I prayed a lot,” Criss said on the podcast, acknowledging the role his faith played in helping him cope with the diagnosis and the treatment process.
That spiritual component was a recurring theme in his conversation, underscoring how deeply the experience affected him beyond a physical struggle.
He added how he was spending more time “at church more than the pastor” and that he is a very religious individual.
He continued, “I really prayed hard, and God gave me my miracle. And I felt, and I kid you not, that I really could walk on water.”
Criss Is Now Cancer Free
Criss recalled how happy he was to find out he was cancer free.
“I was so elated that I was cured. And so I wanted to write a religious song, and I wanted to write about the experience that I was feeling inside, ’cause I always sing from the heart,” he said.
His cancer battle inspired him to write the song “Walking on Water,” which is off of his 2025 self-titled album.
Criss’ openness about his cancer battle brought attention not only to his personal experience but also to the fact that breast cancer can occur in men, a reality many people don’t realize.
While most breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women, experts say awareness and prompt medical evaluation are important for anyone who notices unusual changes in their body — and Criss’ story has helped spark that conversation.
Criss’ battle comes after decades of living at full volume as one of rock’s most recognizable drummers.
Criss Help Create KISS
As a founding member of KISS, he helped define the band’s sound and image, blending hard rock theatrics with jazz-influenced percussion.
His vocals on tracks like “Beth” showed a softer side of the band and became one of KISS’ most enduring hits.
Though his time with KISS included well-documented tensions and departures, Criss has long acknowledged the band’s importance in his life.
