Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello had the honor of inducting the original lineup of KISS into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in New York on Thursday, and footage of his full speech is available.
"They are four of the most recognizable faces on the planet, and one of the most iconic and badass bands of all time. Tonight is the night that KISS enters the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame,” Morello began.
"Growing up, KISS was my favorite band – and it was not easy being a KISS fan,” he continued. “Just as KISS were relentlessly persecuted by critics, their fans were relentlessly persecuted by the self-appointed arbiters of taste in middle schools and high schools across America. Arguments and even fistfights were not uncommon. I recall as a 15-year-old telling one bully, 'You can kiss my KISS-loving ass!' because KISS was never a critics' band, KISS was a people's band.”
Following Morello’s speech, the four original members – Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons – each took a turn at the mic to thank each other and the fans for their support over the band’s 40-year history.
Check out video KISS’ acceptance speech here.
In addition to the original lineup of KISS, the Rock Hall also honored Nirvana, Peter Gabriel, Hall and Oates, Cat Stevens, Linda Ronstadt, and The E Street Band at the event at New York’s Barclays Center.
HBO will broadcast the 29th annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony on May 31.
See also:
VIDEO: KISS perform classic tracks on The Tonight Show
VIDEO: KISS inducted into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
KISS: Tom Morello comments on drama surrounding Rock Hall induction
KISS: Ace Frehley to perform AC/DC classic at Rock Hall all-star jam
Search KISS at hennemusic
