> At a Glance
> – Peter Criss, 80, says prayer cured his 2008 breast cancer
> – His new song “Walking on Water” captures the experience
> – The KISS co-founder still raises funds for male breast-cancer awareness each October
> – Why it matters: His story spotlights male breast-cancer survival and faith-driven recovery
Peter Criss, founding drummer of KISS, credits prayer for overcoming breast cancer in 2008 and channels the triumph into his 2025 solo album.
The Diagnosis and Turning Point
Criss learned he had breast cancer in 2008. He calls the cure a divine miracle after intensive prayer and constant church attendance.
> Criss told the KissFAQ podcast:
> “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.”
From Miracle to Music
That feeling inspired “Walking on Water,” a favorite track on his self-titled 2025 release. He compares the moment to the ending of Being There, where Chauncey Gardner steps onto water, revealing his angelic nature.
> “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.”
Ongoing Advocacy
- Criss campaigns every October to raise money for male breast-cancer awareness.
- At 80, he vows to keep recording: “I ain’t stopping until they put me in the box.”
KISS Years and Reflections
| KISS Tenure | Years Active |
|---|---|
| Original run | 1973-1980 |
| Reunion | 1995-2000 |
| Final stint | 2003-2004 |
In November 2024, Gene Simmons expressed regret for not doing more to help Criss and Ace Frehley during turbulent band years.
Key Takeaways
- Peter Criss beat breast cancer after a 2008 diagnosis through faith and prayer.
- His recovery inspired the song “Walking on Water” on his 2025 solo album.
- He continues fundraising for male breast-cancer awareness each October.
Criss’s journey from diagnosis to musical celebration underscores survival, spirituality, and lifelong creativity.
