The Catman Roars Back: 5 Explosive Updates On Peter Criss In 2025

The Catman is back and ready to pounce. As of late 2025, Peter Criss, the co-founding drummer and unmistakable voice of KISS’s most iconic ballads, has made a dramatic return to the spotlight, shaking off years of relative quiet with a massive announcement that has the KISS Army buzzing. His recent activities confirm that the legendary musician is far from retired, solidifying a legacy that transcends the makeup and the band that made him famous. This article dives into the freshest information available on the original "Catman," focusing on his major 2025 projects, his current relationship with his former bandmates, and the enduring power of his rock and roll spirit.

The latest news, including a highly anticipated new solo album and recent live appearances, proves that Peter Criss is writing a vibrant new chapter. While the KISS "End of the Road" tour has concluded, the conversation around the band’s original lineup remains as intense as ever, with Criss offering his candid perspective on the final curtain call and his own musical future.

Peter Criss: The Catman's Complete Biography and Profile

Peter Criss, born George Peter John Criscuola, is an American musician and actor best known as the co-founder, original drummer, and vocalist of the iconic hard rock band, KISS. His persona, "The Catman," was one of the four original, defining characters of the band, instantly recognizable by his feline makeup and powerful drumming style.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Full Name: George Peter John Criscuola
• Stage Name: Peter Criss
• Birth Date: December 20, 1945
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Iconic Persona: The Catman
• Role in KISS: Co-founder, Original Drummer, and Vocalist
• Signature Songs: "Beth," "Hard Luck Woman," and "Black Diamond"
• Years Active in KISS: 1973–1980, 1996–2001, 2002–2004
• Notable Achievements: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with KISS in 2014.
• Current Net Worth Estimate: Varies between $2 million and $5 million (as of 2025)
• Current Activities (2025): Announcing a new solo album, performing live, and continuing work with the Raven Drum Foundation.

Criss's tenure in KISS produced some of the band's most enduring hits, particularly the power ballad "Beth," which he sang and co-wrote. His unique blend of jazz-influenced drumming with hard rock energy set the foundation for the band's early sound. Despite multiple departures and reunions, his impact on the band’s legacy is undeniable, making him a perennial topic of discussion among fans and critics alike.

The Rock Comeback: Peter Criss's New Solo Album and 2025 Live Shows

The most compelling piece of current news surrounding Peter Criss is the announcement of a brand new, self-titled solo album slated for release in late 2025. This record marks a significant return to rock for the 79-year-old musician, who has been focusing more on personal appearances and charitable work in recent years.

The news of the album has generated immense excitement, partly due to the high-profile guest collaborators rumored to be involved. Early reports suggest the album will feature contributions from a stellar lineup of rock musicians, including guitarist John 5, bassist Billy Sheehan, and keyboardist Paul Shaffer. The project is being hailed as a major rock comeback for the original KISS drummer.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

In addition to the studio work, Peter Criss has been engaging with fans through live performances and public appearances throughout 2025.

• The Cutting Room Performance: In April 2025, Criss took the stage at The Cutting Room in New York City to jam several songs, including a cover of The Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends." This performance showcased his continued passion for playing live music.
• Raven Drum Foundation Honor: Criss was honored at a 2025 Raven Drum Foundation ceremony, where he also gave an interview. This highlights his ongoing commitment to charitable causes, an entity he has supported for years.
• Future Appearances: His official website has listed a meet-and-greet event scheduled for February 2026, confirming his continued engagement with the KISS Army and his fanbase.

This flurry of activity—a new rock album, live performances, and public honors—demonstrates Peter Criss's renewed creative energy and his determination to cement his legacy not just as the Catman of KISS, but as a formidable solo artist.

The Final Chapter: Criss’s Candid Thoughts on the KISS ‘End of the Road’ Tour

The conclusion of KISS’s monumental "End of the Road" farewell tour in late 2023 naturally brought Peter Criss back into the conversation. Fans worldwide held out hope for a final reunion, a moment where the original four members—Criss, Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, and Paul Stanley—would share the stage one last time. While that highly anticipated moment never materialized, Criss has offered his candid thoughts on the band's finale.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

In recent interviews, Peter Criss expressed a sense of disbelief and finality regarding the tour’s conclusion. "It's Hard To Believe It's Over," he stated, reflecting the sentiments of millions of fans who grew up air-drumming to his signature tracks. This remark underscores the emotional weight of seeing the band he co-founded finally hang up their boots and makeup.

The door for a guest appearance was seemingly left ajar by the band's management and members for a long time. Both Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons publicly stated that they were "open" to having both Criss and Ace Frehley rejoin the band for a guest spot during the farewell run. Simmons even revealed that he personally asked both original members if they would like to be part of the tour.

However, the reality of the band's internal dynamics proved to be a major hurdle. A statement from KISS's management revealed a less-than-ideal relationship, with the manager admitting, "We Don't Talk" to Peter Criss. This suggests that despite the public offers, the personal and business relationships required for a seamless reunion were simply not in place. The complexity of the relationship between the original members and the current lineup (featuring Eric Singer on drums and Tommy Thayer on guitar) ultimately prevented the "Catman" from taking his final bow with the band.

The Enduring Legacy of the Original KISS Drummer

Despite the lack of a final on-stage reunion, Peter Criss’s legacy as a founding member and the original "Catman" is secure. His contributions to the band's early success—including his powerful drumming on albums like *Hotter Than Hell* and *Destroyer*—are foundational to the KISS sound. His unique vocal performances on songs like "Beth" and "Hard Luck Woman" provided a crucial emotional depth that balanced the band’s hard rock anthems.

The conversation around Peter Criss in 2025 is no longer dominated by speculation about a KISS reunion, but by excitement for his solo work. The announcement of his new rock album, featuring collaborations with modern rock entities, signals a new era for the drummer. He is actively moving past the shadow of the farewell tour and focusing on his own musical journey, demonstrating that the Catman’s nine lives are far from over. This commitment to his craft, even in his late 70s, is a testament to his enduring status as a rock and roll legend and a true inspiration to the KISS Army.

The continued interest in his biography, his net worth, and his relationship with former bandmates like Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley ensures that Peter Criss remains one of the most talked-about figures in rock history. His dedication to his solo career and his charitable work with the Raven Drum Foundation shows a complete artist who is still finding new ways to connect with his audience.