Rock Legends Call It a ‘Deep Honor’ While Reconciling with Their Previous Remarks

August 18, 2025 — Legendary rock band Kiss has sparked discussion after announcing they are “deeply honored” to accept a Kennedy Center Honor from former President Donald Trump, despite previously labeling him “abhorrent.”

A Shift in Tone

The group, known for their outspoken views, previously criticized Trump during his presidency. However, in a recent statement, they expressed gratitude for the recognition, calling it one of the greatest honors of their career.

Reconciling Past Remarks

Band members admitted there was tension in accepting the award, given their past comments. Still, they emphasized that the honor was not about politics but about celebrating music and cultural impact. “We stand by what we said before,” one member noted, “but this recognition transcends disagreements.”

A Legacy Moment for Kiss

Kiss, who are celebrating more than five decades of music, said the honor represents a lifetime of dedication to their fans. The Kennedy Center Honors traditionally highlight contributions to American culture through the arts, and the band acknowledged that receiving the accolade — even from a polarizing figure — marks a historic milestone.

Fans Divided Over the Decision

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. While many fans praised the band for putting music above politics, others criticized the move as hypocritical. Social media quickly lit up with debates, with some pointing out that the band once condemned Trump publicly.

Despite the controversy, Kiss remains firm in their stance: they will accept the award with pride while standing by their past criticisms. For the band, the moment is less about politics and more about leaving a lasting legacy in music history.