Original KISS drummer Peter Criss recently opened up about how his battle with breast cancer inspired his music. He shared his deeply personal experience in an interview with the KissFAQ Podcast.
Criss spoke about the lyrical inspiration behind “Walking On Water” from his latest solo album. He explained how his faith played a crucial role in his recovery from cancer.
“Very important. I had breast cancer a while back, and I prayed. I’m a very religious guy, so I really prayed very, very hard,” Criss said. “I was at church probably more than the pastor, and 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.”
The drummer drew parallels to the film “Being There.” He described the spiritual high he experienced after his recovery.
“Have you ever watched that ‘Being There’ movie with Chauncey Gardner? And at the end he walks on water, and you realize he’s an angel. I love that movie. And I felt like that,” he continued. “I felt like I could walk on the ocean, and it was such a high. 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.”
Criss emphasized the personal significance of the song and his ongoing commitment to cancer awareness.
“Everything comes from my heart. And that’s one of my favorite songs. I’m glad you brought it up, because ‘Walking On Water’ is special,” he said. “That meant so much to me about beating cancer, ’cause I’m a big cancer guy. Every year I go out on October and I raise money for men for breast cancer.”
Criss’s cancer journey began in 2007 when he first noticed warning signs that would change his life forever.
SurvivorNet reported that Criss detected a painful lump in his chest during a workout in 2007. He initially delayed seeking medical attention while his wife was battling her own cancer diagnosis. The drummer underwent a lumpectomy in February 2008, which confirmed his breast cancer diagnosis.
Guitar World noted that Criss credits early detection, his doctor Alex Swistel, and his faith for successfully beating the disease without requiring chemotherapy after a second surgery. The KISS founding member has remained cancer-free since 2009. He maintains regular monthly mammograms as part of his ongoing health monitoring.
“In ’08, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but with (early detection) my great doctor Alex Swistel & staff and the Lord above, who always looks over me, I am now cancer free,” Criss stated in 2009.
Since his recovery, Criss has become a vocal advocate for male breast cancer awareness. Eddie Trunk documented that the drummer regularly urges men to take warning signs seriously. He emphasizes that “Men get breast cancer… If you feel a bump, it’s not gonna go away…. If you feel a lump go to the doctor. You’ll live longer, it’s that simple.”
His advocacy work extends beyond personal testimonials. Criss has dedicated himself to fundraising efforts specifically focused on raising awareness and funds for male breast cancer research and support programs throughout his post-recovery years.
