Peter Criss, the original drummer of the legendary rock band KISS, has shared a deeply emotional story behind one of his newest songs, “Walking On Water.” The song appears on his latest solo album Peter Criss, released in December 2025, just one day before his 80th birthday. While many fans know Criss as the famous “Catman” from KISS, this song shows a more personal and spiritual side of the rock icon.
“Walking On Water” is not just a song about faith or hope. It tells the story of Peter Criss surviving breast cancer, a battle he faced nearly two decades ago. In interviews and podcast discussions, Criss explained that the song represents how he felt after he learned he was cured. He described the experience as a miracle and said his strong faith helped him through the darkest moments of his life.
Criss has said that during his illness, he prayed constantly and spent a lot of time in church. He truly believed that God helped save his life. After recovering, he felt an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude. That feeling inspired him to write “Walking On Water,” a song that captures the emotional high he experienced after beating cancer. To him, the title represents feeling unstoppable, hopeful, and spiritually lifted.
The album features a group of highly respected musicians, including John 5, Billy Sheehan, and Paul Shaffer. Criss has spoken highly of the band’s performance, especially the organ parts played by Shaffer, which helped give the song a powerful and emotional sound. Still, Criss says the vocals and lyrics are the heart of the track because they come directly from his life experience.
Beyond music, Peter Criss has made it his mission to raise awareness about male breast cancer. In 2007, he found a lump in his left nipple and immediately sought medical attention. That early detection saved his life. Since then, he has spoken openly about his diagnosis to encourage men to take their health seriously.
Criss often points out that many men believe breast cancer only affects women, which is not true. Because of this misunderstanding, some men ignore symptoms or feel embarrassed to talk about them. Criss strongly urges men not to act tough or brush off warning signs. He believes that awareness and early detection can save lives, just as it saved his.
Every year, Criss participates in fundraising and awareness events for male breast cancer. He has met young men, some as young as 18, who were confused and scared after being diagnosed. These experiences have pushed him to keep speaking out, using his fame to educate others.
Even at 80 years old, Peter Criss shows no signs of slowing down. He believes music is a gift from God and says he will continue writing, singing, and playing drums for as long as he can. For him, stopping would mean wasting that gift. His passion for music and life remains as strong as ever.
“Walking On Water” is more than a song on an album. It is a message of faith, survival, and hope. Through his music and his story, Peter Criss reminds listeners that life is precious, miracles can happen, and it’s never too late to keep moving forward.