It will feature contributions from John 5, Billy Sheehan and Paul Shaffer among others
Peter Criss, founding member of KISS and former drummer of the legendary rock band, has announced his first solo album in nearly two decades.
Criss appeared on a recent episode of the KissFAQ fan podcast, where he divulged the news. “I have an announcement,” Criss says in the video below. “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.”
While Peter Criss did not share any concrete details about the album, he was joined by longtime KISS fan and historian Julian Gill, who was able to shed more light on the project.
Gill reveals that he’s heard Criss’ album, describing it as a “hard rock, kick-ass album” that was produced Barry Pointer. The Catman’s forthcoming album will also reportedly include contributions from musicians such as Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5, Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan, Paul Shaffer, Mike McLaughlin and more.
“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,” Gill added.
A release date has yet to be announced for Criss’ upcoming album, but it is expected to arrive sometime between September and November. His last solo album was 2007’s ‘One For All’.
Peter Criss founded KISS in the early 1970s, posting an ad for experienced musicians to join him in forming a new band in the East Coast edition of Rolling Stone – the ad would be answered by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, with Ace Frehley joining shortly after.
Criss remained with the band until his exit in 1980, but later reunited with KISS in 1996 as part of their original line-up reunion. He remained with the band until his permanent exit in 2004.
Peter Criss and Ace Frehley were approached by Gene Simmons to return for their final-ever shows in 2023, but declined. Both members joined the band in 2014 for their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, KISS recently announced an upcoming show in Las Vegas – the first since they wrapped up the final scheduled date of their extensive Farewell tour back in December 2023 at Madison Square Garden.
The new date comes in celebration of the KISS Army celebrating its 50th year, and will take place at a three-day event in Nevada, running between November 14 and 16. It has been dubbed ‘KISS Army Storms Vegas’. It will reportedly see Stanley and Gene Simmons perform “unmasked” and without makeup. It will also see the two joined by “special guests”, although these have not been announced yet.
In other news, Gene Simmons quietly postponed 17 dates on his upcoming solo tour in April and May. The dates were set to kick off at the Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, California on April 5, however, these have now been pushed back to “early 2026”. No official reason was shared for the cancellations, although his team did confirm that it was not due to health issues.
The world’s defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking what’s new and what’s next since 1952.
When you purchase through affiliate links on NME.com, you may contribute to our site through commissions. Learn more
© 2025 NME is part of NME Networks.