Kiss to receive Kennedy Center Honor

The rock band Kiss receives the Kennedy Center Honor amid a history of public criticism of Donald Trump by some members.

Kiss Accepts Kennedy Center Honor Despite Trump Criticism

Kiss will be honored at the Kennedy Center alongside George Strait, Michael Crawford, Sylvester Stallone and Gloria Gaynor. The center recognizes lifetime contributions to American culture, and the band members spoke to TMZ about what the award means. Paul Stanley said, "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." Gene Simmons echoed that sentiment, calling Kiss the embodiment of the American dream and saying they are deeply honored to receive the Kennedy Center Honor. Ace Frehley framed the moment as a dream come true that he never thought would materialize, while Peter Criss added, "I feel so blessed. This is the greatest honor of our career."

The moment sits at the intersection of art and public life. Awards like the Kennedy Center Honors elevate artists for cultural impact while inviting scrutiny of their political views. Some Kiss members have voiced strong opinions about Donald Trump in the past, underscoring how a public figure can be both celebrated and judged for political stance. In Aug 2020, Stanley called Trump’s election claims abhorrent and criticized the rhetoric around the 2020 election. The surrounding discussion shows how fans weigh artistry against political belief on high profile stages.

Highlights

Culture acts as a public record of both talent and the times in which it thrives.