KISS has been selected for the 48th class of the Kennedy Center Honors! The original lineup, including Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss, will be honored alongside other legends like country star George Strait, Tony Award-winning actor Michael Crawford, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, and Academy Award-nominated actor Sylvester Stallone.
Gene Simmons expressed his excitement, saying, “KISS is the embodiment of the American dream. We are deeply honored to receive the Kennedy Center Honor.” Paul 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.”
Ace Frehley shared his thoughts, calling the honor “a dream come true that I never thought would materialize.” Peter Criss also expressed his gratitude, saying, “I feel so blessed. This is the greatest honor of our career.”
The Honors Gala is set for Sunday, December 7. As of now, details about the televised broadcast are still pending. This recognition is a huge milestone for KISS and a testament to their impact on music and culture. Fans can look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with the band!

