KISS Rocks Cadillac High School Homecoming

It’s not every day that a rock band becomes part of high school history, but for Cadillac, Michigan, that day came in October 1975. KISS, the larger-than-life rockers known for their makeup, platform boots, and fiery performances, visited Cadillac High School for an unforgettable homecoming. The story began a year earlier when the CHS Vikings football team turned to the band’s music to turn their season around—and it worked.

KISS

In 1974, the Vikings, coming off a perfect season, hit a rough patch with two early losses. Assistant coach Jim Neff suggested playing KISS in the locker room, pointing out that “KISS” could stand for “Keep It Simple Stupid”—a football philosophy perfectly suited to rally the team. The idea struck a chord. The Vikings went on to win their final seven games, and word of their rock-fueled success reached the band. Soon enough, KISS officially adopted the Vikings as their team. This culminated in a visit to Cadillac High School for homecoming.

October 9, 1975, was nothing short of legendary. Hundreds of students greeted the band on the lawn, many wearing KISS-inspired makeup. The group made a quick photo stop at the fire department and waded through cheering students to the gymnasium. They even watched a film made by the football players miming a KISS concert. That evening, the homecoming bonfire burned brightly, with Gene Simmons showing off his fire-breathing skills. After the bonfire there was a high-energy KISS concert in the school gym. Flames, flashes, smoke, and booming guitars combined for a fast-paced show. The show was capped off with the crowd singing along to “I Just Want to Rock and Roll All Night.”

KISS Monument

The following morning, KISS attended a civic breakfast with city officials in makeup. They then took part in a parade through town. Their departure was as dramatic as their arrival. A helicopter lifted off from the football field, scattering thousands of leaflets over cheering fans. Cadillac would never forget the spectacle. In 2015, the town unveiled the first and only KISS monument to commemorate the visit. This year Cadillac celebrates the 50th anniversary of this extraordinary rock and roll moment. There are special events, tours, and a KISStory Tour honoring the band’s legendary homecoming.

From a high school football locker room to a historic homecoming event, KISS’s visit to Cadillac High School is one of rock and roll’s most unlikely—and enduring—stories. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a little music and a lot of enthusiasm can create memories that last a lifetime.

Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.

The family was always out exploring, but with 4 kids there was some limitations on what they could do. Marisa discovered the amazing network of trails in Northern Michigan after Steve died and she would walk for miles. The trails provided her with peace, comfort and solitude at a difficult time in her life. Later, after meeting Guy who would become her second husband, she learned to golf and found another passion she could enjoy in beautiful Northern Michigan.

Marisa has been the family historian, writer, and poet for as long as she can remember. She has always loved to write and has now found a creative outlet for it other than family. You can read her articles in Adventures in Northern Michigan, Northern Michigan History and Golf Up North.