Iconic rock band KISS was celebrated this weekend at the annual Kennedy Center Honors, one of the nation’s highest awards for artistic achievement, for their decades-long impact on American culture. Original band members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and the late Ace Frehley received the prestigious honor.
The awards were formally presented Saturday night during the Medallion Ceremony at the White House, followed by a tribute concert Sunday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Sunday’s celebration included an introduction by illusionist Criss Angel and performances of KISS classics by Garth Brooks, Marcus King, and an all-star band featuring Cheap Trick, with original drummer Bun E. Carlos, and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt. Other Kennedy Center honorees this year included George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor and Michael Crawford. The full ceremony will air on CBS on Dec. 23.
“KISS is the embodiment of the American dream,” said Simmons. “We are deeply honored to receive the Kennedy Center Honor.”
Stanley added, “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.”
Formed in 1973, KISS is known for their larger-than-life stage performances and signature makeup. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and remain committed to their global fan base, the KISS Army. This year’s Kennedy Center Honors recognized the band’s lifetime achievement and enduring contribution to American music and culture.
