In 1973 the Cadillac High School Vikings football team finished undefeated with a perfect 9-0 record. Spirits were soaring as the 1974 season began, but the Vikings lost the first two games of the season. We coaches knew that the team was talented, but we also knew that the pressure of living up to the accomplishments of the previous year were causing the team to play below their abilities. We were looking for something to lighten the atmosphere and playing Rock and Roll in the locker room before practices and games was suggested. As the resident Rock and Roll expert, head coach Dave Brines gave me the task of picking the music. I chose a new and outrageous band — KISS. They were wild, bold, and loud. Plus, their name invoked an old football credo — Keep It Simple Stupid. It was a match that was meant to be. The 1974 team won its final seven games with KISS as an inspiration. The band heard about what we were doing and instantly adopted the Vikings as their team. Then in October of 1975 the unbelievable happened, KISS came to Cadillac High School and played a homecoming concert in the high school gym. It’s an event that has become a cornerstone of KISStory and a legendary event in Rock and Roll. The story has persevered throughout the years. For more history please visit Jim Neff’s Cadillac KISStory – it includes photos, documents, videos, articles, unique features, and current news about the KISS visit and everything since!

40 Years Later…

In October of 2015, Cadillac hosted the KISS Cadillac Homecoming 40th Anniversary Celebration. Dedicated that weekend in Cadillac, it stands alone as the only KISS Monument in the world. Over 8 feet tall, 5 feet wide, 5000 pounds, and laser-etched midnight black granite. Positioned between Lake Cadillac and the Cadillac Viking Football field, it’s a permanent touchstone for KISS fans everywhere!

End of the Road 2019…

by: Jim Neff

KISS brought their “End Of The Road” tour to Grand Rapids on March 9, 2019 and it was a night to remember for KISS Cadillac fans. As you looked around the crowd it was easy to spot all the KISS Cadillac tee shirts as fans were present in full force. The stage show was filled with pyrotechnics, special effects, and a classic set list of songs. It was a spectacular KISS farewell. Even with all that, there was something even more memorable for KISS Cadillac fans. In his comments prior to KISS performing “Do You Love Me,” Paul Stanley recognized Cadillac as one of the places in Michigan KISS loves. Having Cadillac mentioned from the stage was a great honor.

Then it got even better. During the song as a collage of KISS memories were shown on a giant video screen and several Cadillac photos and video clips were prominent. Seeing those legendary KISS Cadillac images included in a KISS show was an ultimate tribute to the KISS Cadillac connection. For me, this capped off a fantastic night. I attended the concert with my brother, Rob. We’ve been going to concerts together for six decades or so. We got our picture taken with KISS , had All Access Passes, and were treated to premium seats.

I also fulfilled a personal wish and got a picture with Doc McGhee (the band’s long time manager). This may have been the “End Of The Road” tour for KISS, but the KISS Cadillac saga never seems to end. It will always stand as one of the most legendary stories in the history of Rock and Roll.

Visit Coach Neff’s website dedicated to Cadillac’s History with KISS!

Watch more KISS Cadillac related videos on our YouTube Channel!