Cheap Trick Defends Trump Performance: 'We Agreed to Pay Tribute to KISS'

A Controversial Appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors

Cheap Trick has found itself in the middle of a heated debate following its performance at the Kennedy Center Honors, an event that has become a focal point for political discussions. The show, hosted by Donald J. Trump, has drawn attention due to his role as chairman of the Kennedy Center and the installation of a board of his supporters.

The band's appearance has led to some fans distancing themselves from Cheap Trick, while others have doubled down on their support for the group. In response, the band released a statement clarifying their intentions, emphasizing that their participation was solely to honor Kiss, not to endorse any political agenda.

"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," the statement read. "We agreed to do it for those reasons, and no others."

Honoring Kiss and Other Legends

During the event, Cheap Trick performed "Rock ‘N Roll All Nite" in tribute to Kiss, which was being inducted as a Kennedy Center honoree alongside Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Crawford. The show is set to air on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT on December 23.

This year’s ceremony marked a departure from previous years, with most honorees known to be allies or at least friendly with Trump. The honorees attended a White House event the day before the ceremony to receive redesigned medallions. During the event, Trump praised Gene Simmons, noting the long-standing friendship between them.

Fan Reactions and Mixed Responses

While some Kiss fans have expressed disappointment over the band's decision to accept the honor from Trump, others are more understanding. Being a Kiss fan often involves overlooking the band's social standards, especially given Simmons' past support for Trump.

However, Cheap Trick fans may have felt more surprised, as some believed the performance indicated support for Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center, a move seen as controversial by many in the rock community.

In 2016, singer Robin Zander had previously declined an offer to perform at the Republican National Convention. "The Republican National Committee called our office and offered us $100,000 to play at their convention in Cleveland [this summer]," he told the Guardian. "We turned it down. Then we had second thoughts. Maybe we should have accepted it – but we would all have got swastika guitars made."

Public Reaction to the Statement

The responses to Cheap Trick's statement on social media varied widely:

• "Everyone involved should have told Trump to go f**k himself. Your apology is weak sauce."
• "Thank you so much for posting this. There's definitely been a divide among the fans, and KISS is having it twice as much with their KISS Army."
• "A lot of artists put on the spot. I respect your decision as well as that of those who choose not to."
• "The band doesn't express any political affiliation. But I do!! TRUMP RULES!!"
• "I'm sure with a 50 yr career you've said no to other gigs. You'll wear this forever. Such a disappointment."
• "Kiss had your back in the 70's and gave you a great spot to spring from. You were there to honor them."
• "Hmmm… it's hard to be neutral with Donald Trump. You'll catch flack, I hope Kiss is worth the blowback."
• "Sad you even thought this needed posted. People need to grow a pair."
• "That's a sorry excuse. You shouldn't do it. You're normalizing this madness by being part of it."
• "Bun E. must be the only sane one left. And that is saying something!"

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