When Cadillac Was KISSed

  In October of 1975, Cadillac High School in Cadillac, Michigan made Rock 'n' Roll history when KISS played at their homecoming. Here is the full story about that visit presented by Jim Neff, the person who made it all happen. All those rumors you've heard about what happened are answered here -- including the fake claims of other people that they had a hand in the event. Included are never-seen photos, original documents, news articles, and commentary. 

THE CLASS OF 1976 PRESENTS CADILLAC HIGH SCHOOL WITH A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE
   
When KISS departed Cadillac in 1976, they left behind a special plaque that commemorated the event. That plaque was displayed in the school, but within a short time was stolen. The plaque has never been recovered.

On August 11, 2011 the Class of 1976, the KISS Class, presented Cadillac High with a new plaque, thereby righting the wrong that had occurred 36 years ago. The new plaque contains pictures, a n original ticket to the homecoming concert, and one of the flyers KISS tossed from the helicopter as they left town.

You can download a copy of the front page story about the plaque presentation by clicking here. 

You can see the coverage of the presentation on TV 9&10 by clicking here.

KISS Online coverage...click here.

Special note to real KISS Fans: True fans of KISS know that the original plaque's rightful place is at Cadillac High School. If you have any knowledge as to the whereabouts of the original plaque encourage the current holder of the plaque to return it (no questions asked). Cadillac High School, 400 Linden Street, Cadillac, MI 49601.


(Photo by Dennis Bricault, CHS Class of 1976)
 

The Story of the Plaque

On October 9, 1975 Cadillac High School hosted an event that attained world wide acclaim as one of the most renowned stories in Rock and Roll lore. On that day KISS came to Cadillac and a legend was created.

The story began in 1974 when the Cadillac Viking Football team lost its first two games. Head Coach Dave Brines and Assistant Coach Jim Neff decided to play rock music before games to change the attitude of the team. Neff was given the task of selecting the music and he chose a bold new band KISS. With KISS as its inspiration the team won the next seven games.

During the season Neff communicated with KISS and the band made an immediate connection with the Vikings. A bond between KISS, Cadillac, and CHS was forged. The result was KISS coming to CHS to play a homecoming concert in the gym. KISS participated in the homecoming parade, performed their entire show, received the key to the City of Cadillac from the mayor, departed via helicopter from Veteran’s Memorial Stadium . The 1975 Vikings capped off the KISS visit by winning the homecoming game and the Class of 1976 became forever known as the “KISS Class.”

The time KISS spent in Cadillac has become iconic in Rock and Roll history. The visit has been documented on film and video, on television, in print, and online. It’s a story that endures to this day and brings celebrated distinction to Cadillac and CHS.

 

On February 28, 2010 ESPN did a piece about the KISS visit to Cadillac. This appeared on SportCenter and Outside the Lines.
To see the ESPN story online CLICK HERE. To see the broadcast video CLICK HERE.

My Picture with KISS -- Finally!

I've done hundreds of newspaper, television, and radio interviews about the KISS visit to Cadillac. Plus, I've retold the story to thousands of KISS fans in personal meetings, phone calls, and e-mails. One of the most asked questions has always been, "May I have a picture of you and the band?"

Sadly, I've never been able to fill those requests because, as odd as this sounds, no such photo exists. With all that went on in 1975 getting my picture taken with KISS was overlooked. In the 35 years since, the opportunity just never presented itself. Until now!

On September 11, 2010 KISS was at DTE Energy Theater outside of Detroit. Through the kind efforts of McGhee Entertainment the Michigan-based members of my family were all treated to the concert, all-access passes, and pictures with the band.

Upon seeing me Paul exclaimed: "Jim, you look exactly the same. You haven't changed at all."

When I attempted to reintroduce myself to Gene he stopped me immediately. "I know who you are, " he said. About Cadillac he added, "That's become a wonderful story, hasn't it."

The occasion was also my 7 year-old grand daughter's first KISS concert. Paul called her "Sweetie" and Gene gave her a fist bump and told her she had a nice smile.

It was a wonderful evening, reinforcing that KISS has never forgotten Cadillac. Thanks to the entire band and Melissa Madden at McGhee, I now have my picture. -- Jim Neff --

 

Cadillac Featured on KISS DVD

Cadillac is featured on the KISS DVD -- KISSology. See rare footage of the KISS visit to Cadillac narrated by Jim Neff. Here's a small part of the Cadillac section as seen on You Tube.

 

 

You can also see some alternate footage of the visit by clicking here.

KISS: The Early Years
This new book came out in December 2002 and has 16 pages of KISS/Cadillac Pictures. Click here to buy a copy. 
   

(October 2005) -- "The Day KISS Rocked Cadillac," an article by music journalist Rick Coates celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the KISS visit to Cadillac. Read the Northern Express article.

 

Since 1975 I've been asked by thousands of KISS fans to tell the story of "When KISS Came To Cadillac." I've always had the pictures and documents, but I never published any of them because of my valued friendship with the members of KISS and the band's strong bond with Cadillac. You just don't capitalize or take advantage of  friendship. Over the years, I've stayed in contact with the band and seen all their tours. They've provided VIP passes for me and my family, and on occasion I've had the opportunity to briefly speak with Gene, Paul, and Peter.

Three things caused me to finally tell the story. 

First, since the  KISS Farewell Tour I felt it was time to let the world know how much Cadillac appreciated their kindness toward us. These guys put us on the map and never forgot about us. They are a "class act" all the way. 

class76.jpg (306031 bytes)Second, when the "kids" from the class of 1976, the "KISS Class," staged their 25th class reunion they asked me for the story -- one more time -- and I decided it was proper to oblige. 

Last but not least, VH1 has now done two shows that include Cadillac. "KISS: Beyond the Makeup," is a two-hour special about the band's entire KISStory. The Cadillac story is a big part of that, and a segment featuring color film from the event is included, as well as pictures during the opening credits, closing credits, and throughout the special.  Also (July 25, 2004), "When KISS Ruled the World" on VH1 not only has the Cadillac story, but also features clips from an interview with yours truly.

Of course, the best of all is the fiirst KISSology DVD Which is on sale now at every Wal-Mart in the country. The 16-minute Cadillac section contains footage that no one had ever seen before, not even me. I narrated the section for the producers at MTV.

So, here it is (so far). Nothing fancy, just the story. I probably will keep adding to the site. I'll also entertain questions if anyone wants to e-mail me. Enjoy. -- Jim Neff

 

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