Paul Stanley of legendary rock band KISS has delivered an emotional message to fans and peers. He is asking them to express their appreciation while he’s still alive rather than waiting for obituaries or eulogies. Speaking about his recent induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame alongside bandmate Gene Simmons, Stanley emphasized the importance of recognizing craftsmanship in songwriting.
“Songwriters hall of fame. It’s amazing, you know, because again, you can have lasers and smoke bombs and everything else, but you’ve got to have a song, you know, without a song, you’ve got nothing,” Stanley reflected on the honor. He continued, “And we grew up loving songwriters and the craft. Anybody can write a song. There’s enough of that out there. But it doesn’t make you a songwriter. That’s a craft you work at. And it’s something that we emulated. And to be embraced by your contemporaries and by your peers and by the people who are up there, it’s humbling.”
The KISS frontman then made his heartfelt plea to those who appreciate his work: “But I say at this point in my life, if you love me, let me know now. Don’t put in my no. Don’t put it in my obituary. Don’t put it in a eulogy. Let me know. Come on. You love me. Let me hear it.”
Stanley’s remarks came during an appearance on the Track Star podcast. He discussed the significance of the induction and what it means to be recognized by the music industry’s songwriting community. The recognition represents a milestone achievement for both Stanley and Simmons, who have spent decades crafting some of rock music’s most iconic anthems.
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons were officially announced as 2026 inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in January. This marked the first time the two founding members of KISS received this prestigious honor. The induction ceremony took place on June 11, 2026, in New York City. They were celebrated alongside other notable artists including Taylor Swift, Kenny Loggins, and Alanis Morissette. The Hall of Fame recognized Stanley and Simmons for their contributions to classic rock through songs such as “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Calling Dr. Love,” “I Love It Loud,” and “Christine Sixteen.”
The induction ceremony featured performances celebrating their songwriting legacy. Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan performed a tribute to their work. Stanley attended the ceremony to accept the honor. Gene Simmons was unable to attend due to a family emergency. The recognition underscores the lasting impact that KISS has had on rock music and the broader music industry since their formation in the 1970s.
Songwriters must wait at least 20 years following the first commercial release of one of their songs to be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame. This requirement reflects the organization’s commitment to honoring artists whose work has stood the test of time. Stanley and Simmons’ induction demonstrates how their songwriting has transcended generations and continues to influence musicians across multiple genres. The achievement caps a remarkable career for both men, who have been instrumental in defining the sound and spectacle of rock music for nearly five decades.
