Kiss Icons Paul Stanley And Gene Simmons Are Getting Their Flowers

KISS have always been bigger than the music, with the makeup, the explosions and the mythology.

Underneath all the spectacle, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons built one of rock’s most recognisable hit machines, and now they’re getting honoured for the part that actually matters, the songs.

The founding KISS duo have officially been announced as 2026 inductees into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, joining a stacked class that includes Taylor Swift, Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins, Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, and Christopher ‘Tricky’ Stewart.

The induction and awards gala is locked in for Thursday, June 11th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, it’s a closed room kind of night with the event not open to the general public, which feels fitting for an industry ceremony that’s always been more velvet rope than mosh pit.

Songwriters Hall Of Fame chairman Nile Rodgers summed up the reasoning behind the celebration, saying (per Alternative Press):

“The music industry is built upon the incredible talent of songwriters who create unforgettable songs. Without their artistry, there would be no recorded music, concert experiences, or engaged fans. Everything originates from the song and its creator. We take great pride in our ongoing commitment to recognizing some of the most culturally significant composers in history. This year’s lineup not only showcases iconic songs but also celebrates unity across various genres. These songwriters have profoundly impacted the lives of billions of listeners worldwide, and it is our privilege to honor their contributions.”

Highlights

The Songwriters Hall Of Fame highlighted KISS staples like ‘Rock And Roll All Nite’, ‘Calling Dr. Love’, ‘Shout It Out Loud’, ‘Christine Sixteen’, and ‘I Love It Loud’ as key works in the Stanley/Simmons catalogue.

It’s also another big legacy moment for the band after KISS were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2014, and received the Kennedy Center Honors in December last year.

While the band’s touring days are done, KISS keeps moving., in early 2024 they sold their music catalogue, likeness, and brand to Pophouse Entertainment, with projects like a biopic and avatar show already in development.

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