Kiss Drummer Peter Criss Announces He's Breast Cancer Free

Peter Criss, drummer/vocalist and original “Catman” of the legendary rock band Kiss announced to fans that he was diagnosed with breast cancer, and is now cancer free. Criss was compelled to come forward during Breast Cancer Awareness month to bring awareness to everyone – male and female – to get checked out.

Says Criss: “In ’08, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but with (early detection) my great doctor and the Lord above, who always looks over me, I am cancer free today!”

He continues: “I wanted to let you know that men get it like women do. Don’t be afraid to let someone know if you have a lump. Do the right thing for you and your loved ones and get it checked. Man or woman, there is no discrimination with breast cancer…we all don’t have nine lives.”

As a founding member and original drummer of Kiss, Criss co-wrote and sang the lead vocal on what to this day remains Kiss’ biggest Billboard hit, “Beth,” which went on to win a People’s Choice Award. In his Catman persona, he performed with the band through 1980, and then embarked on a solo career, releasing four albums. In 1995, he reunited with his former band mates for a historic MTV Unplugged show that led to a 1996-97 reunion tour, followed by a studio album. Turning to acting in 2002 in the HBO prison drama Oz, Peter continued to play with Kiss until 2004 and then again turned to other projects, including his latest 2007 solo release One for All. Criss is currently working on a new studio album, release date tbd.