Kiss “deeply honoured” by Donald Trump’s Kennedy Center Honors inclusion
After Donald Trump included Kiss in his Kennedy Center Honours list, the hair metal group said they were “deeply honoured.”
On August 13th, Trump confirmed his class of 2025, which also includes Sylvester Stallone, musician George Strait, British actor and comedian Michael Crawford, singer Gloria Gaynor alongside Kiss.
The annual ceremony traditionally takes place in December in Washington, DC, and usually airs on CBS. For the first time in history, it will be hosted by a president after Trump confirmed his plans to be the master of ceremonies.
At a press conference, Trump said of Kiss’s inclusion: “We’ll be honouring one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Kiss. So Kiss was formed in 1973 in New York City by founding band members – and incredible people, by the way – Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss.”
The President continued: “Kiss became a global phenomenon. Sold more than 100 million records worldwide and produced 30 gold albums and lots of other things. They produced, they made a fortune. And they’re great people and they deserve it and they work hard and they’re still working hard and it’s an honour to present Kiss.”
Trump also promised that Kiss are “going to do something very special” for the occasion”, and said, “We’re gonna have a good time.”
In response to the prestigious honour, Gene Simmons proudly told TMZ: “Kiss is the embodiment of the American dream. We are deeply honoured to receive the Kennedy Center Honor.”
Meanwhile, his bandmate, Paul Stanley said: “From our earliest days, Kiss has embodied the American ideal that all things are possible and that hard work pays off. The prestige of the Kennedy Center Honors cannot be overstated and I accept this on behalf of the long legacy of Kiss and all of the band members who helped create our iconic band.”
Kiss wrapped up their retirement tour in 2023 at Madison Square Garden. However, they are due to play a one-off special show in Las Vegas to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their fan club in November.
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