Cheap Trick issued a statement addressing criticism surrounding their performance at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors ceremony. The statement was shared on Facebook.
The band’s statement clarified their reasons for participating in the event. They emphasized their focus on tribute and artistic support rather than any political considerations.
“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 band said. “We agreed to do it for those reasons and no others.”
The statement has resonated differently among fans. Some supporters argued the band should not need to justify their participation. Others expressed appreciation for the clarification, noting the divide among both Cheap Trick and KISS fans regarding the performance.
The controversy surrounding Cheap Trick’s appearance stems from broader concerns about the event’s political context. Some fans perceived an implicit endorsement by the band’s participation.
Loudwire reported that Cheap Trick closed the Honors performances by covering KISS’s “Rock and Roll All Nite.” This cover was part of a segment honoring KISS as part of the televised Kennedy Center Honors program. The broadcast will air on CBS on December 23. The performance itself was musically significant, representing a direct tribute to the legendary rock band that Cheap Trick has long admired.
The backlash emerged primarily due to the political nature of the event itself. Some fans criticized Cheap Trick for performing at the ceremony because President Donald Trump hosted the event. Commenters accused the band of supporting or legitimizing Trump by appearing. These criticisms appeared across Cheap Trick’s social media platforms, prompting the band to publicly explain their decision to participate.
Cheap Trick’s response emphasized their artistic motivations over any political considerations. The band reiterated that they accepted the invitation specifically to honor KISS and to support the arts community. They framed their participation as a celebration of music rather than a political statement. Fan commentary suggests further statements may be expected following the ceremony’s television broadcast next week, particularly from KISS members like Paul Stanley, as the divide among both bands’ fanbases continues to generate discussion.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between artistic participation and political perception in high-profile events. This tension is particularly acute when public figures are invited to perform at ceremonies with significant political dimensions. For Cheap Trick, the focus remains on their musical tribute and their commitment to honoring their peers in the rock community.
