Fifty years ago the band, KISS, visited Cadillac! It all started with Jim Neff, the assistant football coach, wanting to inspire his football team, The Vikings, with energetic music by KISS. The Cadillac high school team began winning games. The following fall, KISS became part of their homecoming celebration! Join us for a peek into this incredible high school celebration. Cadillac is currently preparing for the 50th anniversary, October 9, 2025! Did you know Cadillac has the only KISS monument in the world? Join us!

KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)

After loosing their first two football games in 1974, the Cadillac Vikings had needed some motivation. Assistant Coach Jim Neff had recently been energized at a KISS concert in Flint. Neff felt the upbeat rock and roll music could inspire his team. Plus, “KISS” in football means, “Keep It Simple Stupid.” Soon the locker room resounded with the beat of electrifying energy, “Rock and Roll All Night!” From there, The Vikings were undefeated, winning the next seven games and even became the conference co-champs.

The Vikings had used KISS as their anthem in the locker room and when traveling to games. Harry Hagstrom, class of ’76, smiled, “We had a guy who brought his eight track player on the bus. We listened to it on the bus.”

Jim Neff contacted KISS managers to share his appreciation for the band and to let them know the positive impact their music had on The Vikings football team.

Paul Stanley, a KISS band member, had explained, “We heard about it from the coach of the team. This team went from worst to first.” A plan to bring KISS to Cadillac began to form.

In October 1975 KISS would be playing a concert in Kalamazoo. Could they make a stop in Cadillac? The whole community supported the idea of hosting this extreme band, who had turned the tide for their high school team.

KISS Comes To Cadillac

On October 9, 1975, the football stadium had been clustered with student faces, painted in black and white, waiting for the band to arrive. Head Coach Dave Brines turned to Jim Neff, “This will either be the greatest thing to happen in the history of Cadillac, or we may be looking for new jobs come Monday.”

As the band made its way into town lead singer, Gene Simmons, climbed through the sunroof and stood on top of the sedan.

The Football Field

The four KISS members were brought directly to the football field where students had been ready with makeup-clad faces. “Seeing all the students and football players with their faces painted, it was surreal.” Gene Simmons had commented in an interview. “It was like landing on planet KISS.”

KISS band members ran football plays with the team and even joined the marching band.

Melissa Jo Codden

Soon, Gene Simmons had noticed the head cheerleader, Melissa Jo, who had her face painted identical to his. “He had been interested in what I had to say.” Melissa Cadden-Holmes told ESPN journalist. “When you’re 16, people aren’t interested in what you have to say.” There appeared to be an immediate bond between them!

Paul Stanley wrapped his arms around Mary Stubbs. “They really cared about us.” commented Harry Hagstrom, class of ’76.

The Concert

That night the concert, held inside the high school gym, could be heard miles away . Melissa Jo, the head cheerleader, had laughed when asked what it sounded like in the gym. “If it’s too loud, then you’re too old.”

“We’re here to pay you homage.” Gene Simmons had stated. The concert wasn’t about the band, it was about celebrating the football team and the community.

City Council Breakfast

The next morning the Cadillac City Council had organized a breakfast where they presented KISS with a key to the city. The panel of officials had donned black and white face paint to honor the band who had embraced their community. That’s right. The mayor and city council members had their faces painted!

The Parade

Later that evening, the band had joined the homecoming parade, riding on top of a car through the crowds of cheering, face-painted families. The parade wound through the streets of Cadillac ending at the football field. Suddenly, a helicopter came across Lake Cadillac toward the football complex.

Helicopter

This unexpected mode of transportation made the crowd hold its collective breath as the chopper landed on the 50 yard line. As the band hustled toward their ride, Gene Simmons approached Melissa, the head cheerleader. “I thought he was going to hug me goodbye.” She shrugged, “But he picked me up and said, ‘I could take you home with me.'” That’s when Melissa’s father suddenly appeared, wearing his police uniform, “Over my dead body.” He lifted his brow in response. Gene Simmons returned Melissa to the ground with a quiet, “Goodbye,” just for the two of them and headed toward the open side door.

As the chopper lifted off the ground, white cards began fluttering down. “Cadillac High- KISS loves you!” These notes held the signatures of the four band members. (pictured above)

Harry Hagstrom, class of ’76, “Everyone was just scrambling to get the flyers. It was kind of a treasure. I got one. I still have my flyer.”

Gene Simmons nodded to the ESPN interviewer. “It’s a lifetime memory and a source of pride for us.”

This bond between Cadillac and KISS has remained steady over the past five decades. Restaurants and bars have plaques on their walls. The Lions Club produces medallions. (pictured above) There’s even a KISS monument next to the football field.

The KISS Monument

On October 10, 2015, during the 40th Anniversary of KISS’ visit, this 5,000 pound, black granite monument was installed just outside the football field, along Chestnut Street.

This is the only KISS monument in the entire world. The back of the monument has photos, too, commemorating the band’s time in Cadillac.

Cadillac & KISS – Commitment

Cadillac and KISS hold a continuing admiration for one another.

Paul Stanley from KISS reflected, “To this day I look back and think, that’s really something most people never ever get to experience on either side. The ones that were there or the band.”

KISS members recently ordered flowers for Coach Brines. Main Street Floral had posted, “KISS, known for their legendary music and larger-than-life presence, holds a special place in the heart of Cadillac. Over the years, they’ve kept in touch with the community and maintained a heartfelt bond with local families. Even after all these years, their genuine kindness and appreciation for Cadillac remain evident through gestures like this floral tribute, which speaks volumes about their commitment to those they’ve touched.”

The 50th Anniversary

The 50th Anniversary will be celebrated October 9-12, 2025. I am looking forward to following the updates and attending the festive celebration in Cadillac.

Related Links:

Jim Neff is speaking on June 10, 2025 at Cadillac High School at 6:00 pm. Here’s the link to sign up.
For updates and information about the 50th Anniversary celebration signup for the newsletter.

Resources:

Cadillac Michigan article
KISS Comes To Cadillac ESPN YouTube video
“Pencil Storm” Colin’s Coffee blog post by Scott Carr May 11, 2018
WGRD article
Neff Cadillac KISS 50th Anniversary website