KISS’ Peter Criss says beating cancer was a “miracle”

    KISS' Peter Criss, photo by Bobby Bank/Getty

    Former KISS drummer Peter Criss has said him beating cancer was a “miracle”.

    The co-founder of the US rock band, 80, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. He went on to undergo treatment, and subsequently made a full recovery.

    Criss has now reflected on this difficult period of his life during an appearance on the KissFAQ podcast.

    “I had breast cancer a while back, and I prayed. I’m a very religious guy, so I really prayed very, very hard,” he remembered (via Bang Premier).

    “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 musician, who released his first solo album in 18 years last month, revealed that he wrote his new track ‘Walking On Water’ about his cancer journey.

    “Have you ever watched that Being There movie with Chauncey Gardiner?” he asked. “And at the end he walks on water, and you realise he’s an angel. I love that movie. And I felt like that.

    “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 continued: “Everything comes from my heart. And that’s one of my favourite songs. I’m glad you brought it up, because ‘Walking On Water’ is special.”

    He said the cut was “dear to my heart” because of its personal theme. “It’s one of my favourite songs on the album,” Criss went on.

    “That meant so much to me about beating cancer, ’cause I’m a big cancer guy. Every year I go out in October [Breast Cancer Awareness Month] and I raise money for men for breast cancer.”

    The drummer and vocalist vowed to “never stop” making music “until they put me in the box”, adding: “Music is a gift from God.”

    Criss co-founded KISS in the early ’70s. He remained with the band until his exit in 1980, but later reunited with the group in 1996 as part of their original line-up comeback. He remained with the band until his permanent departure in 2004.

    Last October, KISS’ Ace Frehley died at the age of 74 following a fall at his home. Recently, Gene Simmons took back the comments he made about his former bandmate’s death, admitting he “was wrong” to make them.

    The post KISS’ Peter Criss says beating cancer was a “miracle” appeared first on NME.

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