At the Kennedy Center Honors, Cheap Trick paid tribute to their friends in KISS by performing “Rock and Roll All Nite.”
When Cheap Trick took the stage at the Kennedy Center Honors to honor their friends in KISS by performing their 1975 hit “Rock and Roll All Nite,” some fans were left disappointed by their participation in an event affiliated with former President Donald Trump, who both presented the awards and hosted the show.
The band took to their social media accounts on Dec. 17 to address the criticism head-on with a blunt message on a black background with white text, stating, “We were asked to perform at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors ceremony to pay tribute to our lifelong brothers in KISS, and to support artists and the arts. We agreed to do it for those reasons, and no others.”
The connection between Cheap Trick and KISS dates back to 1977 when Cheap Trick opened for KISS on their “Love Gun Tour.” Additionally, Cheap Trick referenced KISS in their 1978 hit “Surrender,” solidifying their long-standing bond.
Initial complaints from fans surfaced on Cheap Trick’s Instagram account on Dec. 8 after the band shared a photo of themselves with magician Criss Angel at the event, prompting mixed reactions from their followers.
While some fans questioned the band’s decision to explain their participation, others praised them for honoring and celebrating their friends, emphasizing that the focus should be on the honorees rather than the political affiliations of those involved.
The Kennedy Center Honors, held on Dec. 7 in Washington, D.C., will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ on Dec. 23, showcasing honorees such as George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, Michael Crawford, and Sylvester Stallone. The event marked the first time a sitting president, Donald Trump, hosted the prestigious ceremony.
In the midst of controversy and divided opinions, Cheap Trick remained steadfast in their decision to perform at the Kennedy Center Honors, staying true to their commitment to support artists and the arts, as well as honoring their friends in KISS.
Overall, Cheap Trick’s participation in the ceremony sparked a conversation among fans, highlighting the complexities of blending music, friendship, and politics on a public platform.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.