On December 7, 2025, the legendary rock band KISS received one of the highest cultural honors in America at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. It was a night full of celebration, pride, and heartfelt memories.
The three living original members — Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss — wore black tuxedos and rainbow-colored medallions as they reflected on their long journey from small New York clubs to international fame. Paul Stanley called it “the embodiment of the American dream,” noting how his family’s history of immigration and hard work shaped his life and career.
The ceremony was bittersweet because Ace Frehley, the band’s original guitarist, passed away less than two months before the event. Peter Criss spoke emotionally about sitting next to the empty chair reserved for Frehley, saying he “broke down quite a few times” during the gala. Gene Simmons added that they felt Ace’s presence spiritually, saying he would be watching and proud.
The band reflected on the cultural significance of their honor, celebrating alongside icons like country legend George Strait, disco star Gloria Gaynor, and actors Sylvester Stallone and Michael Crawford. They emphasized that KISS’s success was built on a strong foundation — the original four members — and that the award recognized their lifelong dedication to music and performance.
Paul Stanley summed it up perfectly: “We are products of the American dream. There are opportunities, and they’re not always the same for everybody, but you find out how much something matters to you by how much you’re willing to work to get it.”
The event, broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ on December 23, celebrated KISS not just as a rock band, but as an American cultural institution, reminding fans that hard work, creativity, and perseverance can turn dreams into reality — even for a band that started in gritty New York clubs.
For fans, it was a night of pride, nostalgia, and emotion, honoring both the music and the memories that made KISS a global phenomenon.