Band “Deeply Honored” Despite Calling Trump “Abhorrent”
In a twist dripping with rock ‘n’ roll irony, KISS declared themselves “deeply honored” to receive a Kennedy Center Honor from Donald Trump on August 13, 2025, despite frontman Gene Simmons previously slamming the former president as “abhorrent” and a “true danger to democracy”. The award, celebrating KISS’s five-decade legacy as rock icons, was announced by Trump, who praised them as “one of the greatest rock bands of all time.” Yet, the band’s past criticisms—Simmons called Trump “out for himself” and blamed him for “normalizing racism”—make their acceptance a head-scratcher for fans.
KISS’s Scathing Past Comments on Trump
KISS, known for anthems like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and their theatrical stage antics, have never shied away from bold statements. In 2016, Gene Simmons didn’t hold back, telling Rolling Stone that Donald Trump was “abhorrent” and “a demagogue” who allowed “cockroaches to rise to the top” by stoking division. By 2020, Simmons doubled down, calling Trump a “true danger to democracy” for his role in the Capitol riot and conspiracy theories. Other members, including Paul Stanley, echoed the sentiment, with Stanley tweeting in 2017 that Trump’s leadership was “divisive and destructive.” These fiery words made KISS’s “deeply honored” response to the Kennedy Center Honor—presented by Trump—feel like a plot twist straight out of a rock opera.
The Kennedy Center Honor: A Prestigious Paradox
The Kennedy Center Honor, one of the highest cultural accolades in the US, celebrates artists for their contributions to American arts. KISS, with over 100 million albums sold and a legacy spanning “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” to their 2023 final tour, was a natural pick for 2025. Trump, who announced the honorees, called KISS “a cultural force” during a press conference, seemingly unaware of their past jabs. The band’s statement, posted on X, gushed, “We are deeply honored to be recognized for our contributions to music and culture.” Fans were stunned, with one X post ranting, “KISS bashed Trump for years, now they’re kissing up for a Kennedy Center medal? What’s the deal?” The controversy has sparked debates about whether the band is compromising principles for prestige.
A Fanbase Divided Over the Irony
KISS fans, known as the KISS Army, are split. Some see the Kennedy Center Honor as a deserved nod to the band’s rock legacy, regardless of who’s presenting it. “KISS earned this through decades of blood, sweat, and pyro,” one supporter said. Others feel betrayed, pointing to Simmons’ 2018 comments to Newsweek about Trump’s “self-serving” nature. “They called Trump abhorrent, now they’re honored by him? Sellouts,” another fan fumed. The 2025 ceremony, set for December at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will see Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer attend, with Trump expected to present. Whether this mends or widens the fanbase rift remains to be seen.
Navigating the KISS Legacy in 2025
The KISS-Trump saga adds a new chapter to the band’s storied career. After their End of the Road tour concluded at Madison Square Garden in 2023, KISS has focused on their digital avatar project and catalog reissues, keeping their rock flame alive. The Kennedy Center Honor places them alongside legends like Led Zeppelin and The Who, but the controversy underscores the tension between art and politics. As fans debate, KISS remains unapologetic, with Simmons hinting at a celebratory performance tied to the honor. For now, the irony of accepting a Trump-bestowed award after years of criticism is a rock story that’s got everyone talking.
Join the Debate and Stay Tuned
Will you be cheering KISS at the Kennedy Center or side-eyeing their Trump acceptance? Share your take below. Stream classics like “Detroit Rock City” on Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music via kissonline.com. For the latest on KISS and rock news, visit rocknews.co.uk. Don’t miss this wild twist in KISS’s 2025 journey!
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KISS’s Kennedy Center Honor from Trump: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Irony @RockNews
