Honoring KISS at the Kennedy Center
How I'd do the ceremony for KISS.
The Kennedy Center Honors represents one of America’s most prestigious cultural celebrations, recognizing artists whose work has enriched our national landscape. On Sunday, KISS takes its rightful place among the honorees.
True to form, the Kennedy Center is keeping the lineup of performers under wraps. They love surprising the honorees, and honestly, those reactions when they realize who showed up to celebrate them? Pure TV gold.
If I had my way, I’d do the following to really capture the essence of a band that turned rock and roll into a show, art into cold hard cash, and themselves into icons.
First things first, I’d have Dave Grohl host their section of the show. As a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame through both Nirvana and Foo Fighters, Grohl possesses the credibility to speak authoritatively about KISS’s influence. More importantly, he’s never hidden his admiration for the band, often citing them as a significant influence. His genuine affection would shine through in every word of his introduction.
Song 1: “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”
A song getting some renewed interest because of YUNGBLUD’s version on the Fall Guy soundtrack, I’d do something completely different and have Lady Gaga create a straight-ahead dance party. Who better to showcase the band’s disco side than an artist who has built her career on theatrical presentation, genre experimentation, and the marriage of pop and rock? The Kennedy Center would be transformed into Studio 54 crossed with a rock arena.
Song 2: “Hard Luck Woman”
Following Lady Gaga’s explosive opening, the tribute shifts gear dramatically with “Hard Luck Woman,” Paul Stanley’s deliberate homage to Rod Stewart’s storytelling style. For this performance, Chris Stapleton emerges as the natural choice. His bluesy, weathered voice and authentic connection to country-rock traditions would honor Stanley’s vision and the original Peter Criss vocals while bringing a fresh interpretation to lyrics about loneliness, longing, and hardship.
Song 3: “Forever”
As the tribute progresses, “Forever” represents KISS’s ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes. This 1990 power ballad, co-written with Michael Bolton, proved that even two decades into their career, KISS could still craft songs that resonated with contemporary audiences. For this performance, Miley Cyrus should take the stage. Her powerful voice, proven ability to honor rock traditions while making them her own, and understanding of reinvention make her the perfect choice.
Song 4: “Beth”
“Beth” is KISS’s highest-charting single and probably their second most well-known song. For this performance, the Kennedy Center should invite Brandi Carlile, whose ability to convey raw emotion while maintaining technical excellence makes her the perfect choice to re-imagine this love letter from a touring musician to his partner. Carlile should perform the song seated at a piano, accompanied by a small string section. Her voice, capable of both delicate intimacy and powerful crescendos, would honor the original while bringing a fresh perspective.
Song 5: “Rock And Roll All Nite”
The tribute can only end one way with “Rock And Roll All Nite,” the song that defines KISS in the popular imagination. Who better to deliver this finale than Dave Grohl’s own Foo Fighters, with special guest Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt? Bettencourt’s addition brings virtuosic guitar work that specifically honors Ace Frehley’s legacy while adding his own technical brilliance.
Wouldn’t it be cool if every previous performer returned to the stage to join in the chorus?
The Kennedy Center Honors exists to celebrate American artists who have made lasting contributions to our cultural life. This tribute, built around their five biggest hits performed by artists they’ve influenced across multiple generations and genres, would honor that legacy while introducing their music to audiences who may never have understood what all the makeup and mayhem were really about.
I can’t wait to see how off I am with my presentation when the actual ceremony is turned into a broadcast special airing on CBS and Paramount+ on December 23.
Be seeing you.
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