Rock legends KISS have been named among the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, marking a significant milestone for the band’s five-decade career in music.
The original lineup—Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley—will be recognized at the 48th annual ceremony scheduled for December 7, 2025, which will later air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
The announcement comes less than a year after KISS performed their final farewell concert on December 2, 2023, at Madison Square Garden, capping a remarkable journey that began in January 1973 when the band formed from the remnants of Wicked Lester.
Throughout their career, KISS has sold over 100 million records worldwide and produced 30 gold albums, cementing their status as one of rock music’s most influential acts.
With over 100 million records sold and 30 gold albums, KISS has solidified their legendary status in rock music history.
In response to the honor, band members expressed profound gratitude. Paul Stanley stated the prestige of the Kennedy Center Honors “cannot be overstated,” while Gene Simmons called KISS the embodiment of the American dream, emphasizing that success comes through hard work.
Peter Criss described the recognition as “the greatest honor” of their career and “a dream come true,” while Ace Frehley accepted it on behalf of the band’s enduring legacy.
This year’s selection process has generated controversy, as former President Donald Trump personally selected the honorees, breaking with the traditional bipartisan board selection practices.
Trump acknowledged being “very involved” in the selection process and made final decisions on the same day the longtime executive producer resigned.
He also admitted to eliminating some suggested honorees he viewed as “wokesters,” though he claimed politics did not influence his choices.
The inclusion of KISS comes despite past tensions, as band member Paul Stanley had previously criticized Trump’s leadership as abhorrent and divisive.
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors strikingly lacks representatives from dance, jazz, or classical music traditions, departing from past ceremonies’ more diverse artistic recognition.
This recognition is particularly significant as KISS has historically received few major honors since winning a People’s Choice Award for “Beth” in 1977.
Beyond their artistic achievements, KISS pioneered the monetization of rock music through sync deals that placed their songs in movies, commercials, and video games, creating additional revenue streams.
The band has leveraged streaming platforms effectively throughout their later career, helping maintain their relevance with both longtime fans and new audiences.
KISS will be honored alongside other recipients including Sylvester Stallone and George Strait, celebrating their collective cultural impact through entertainment and artistry that has defined American popular culture for generations.
