Back in 1975, Cadillac High School scored the ultimate homecoming surprise: a private gym concert from the American rock band KISS. Fifty years later, the small northern Michigan city is ready to turn up the volume again with a season-long celebration leading to a blockbuster anniversary weekend this fall.

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From Football Slump to Rock-and-Roll Fame

The story started in the fall of 1974. After an undefeated season the year before, the Cadillac High School Vikings football team opened with two losses. Assistant Coach Jim Neff decided to lighten the mood by pumping rock music through the speakers before practice and games. His pick? A then-new American rock band called KISS.

The team went on a seven-game winning streak and clinched a conference co-championship. Neff wrote the band a thank-you letter, and KISS—intrigued by the tale of a high school football team fueled by their music—decided to show up in person.

On October 9, 1975, KISS joined the homecoming parade, played a concert in the high school gym, accepted the key to the city, and made a dramatic helicopter exit from Veterans Memorial Stadium. As Neff recalls, “Not only were they wild, bold, and loud, their name invoked an old football credo—Keep It Simple, Stupid. It was a match that was meant to be.”

A Season of KISS-Themed Fun

To honor the half-century mark, the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau is launching the KISS50 Cadillac Reunion, a months-long tribute packed with KISS-themed events and experiences. Activities kick off in August and build toward a four-day anniversary bash October 9–12.

Highlights happening now through fall include:

• KISStory Self-Guided History Tour – A four-stop walking or driving tour retracing the band’s 1975 visit, complete with commemorative markers and anecdotes.
• KISS50 Exhibit at the Wexford Historical Society Museum – Open through October with original clippings, photos, and artifacts from that legendary day.
• KISS Experiences Across Town – Local businesses are getting in on the fun with themed treats and drinks, from “Clam Lake Party Every Day Hazy IPA” at Clam Lake Beer Co. to a custom “Dark & Roll” coffee blend at Owl Eye Coffee Roasters, “Cadillac Rock City” (Rocky Road) ice cream at The Sweet Shop, and KISS cut-out cookies at Wildflour Bakery. There’s even a KISS-themed cabin at Mackinaw Timbers Cabins.
• Photo Opportunities – Shops and restaurants throughout Cadillac are “KISS-ifying” their storefronts with banners, cut-outs and larger-than-life band tributes.

The Big Weekend: October 9–12

The celebration peaks during the official 50th anniversary weekend with marquee events organized by the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau and Cadillac Area Public Schools.

• Cadillac Vikings Football Game & Tailgate with KISS-themed Drone Show – October 10 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, the same spot where KISS lifted off by helicopter in 1975.
• KISS50 5K – October 11 along the Lake Cadillac shoreline.
• Cadillac KISS50 Rockumentary – October 11 at Cadillac High School, featuring interviews with Jim Neff and others who experienced the legendary visit firsthand.
• Mr. Speed KISS Tribute Concert – October 11 at The Venue, with tickets just $20 to hear classic KISS hits performed in full costume.

Additional happenings include alumni reunions, a KISS Glow Skate at The Wex Ice Arena, a KISS-themed golf outing, and even KISS Bingo at MI Mezcal. More events will be announced at kisscadillac.com.

Rock ’n’ Roll Legacy

Cadillac’s connection to KISS has endured for five decades, even earning an eight-foot, 5,000-pound granite KISS monument on the high school grounds during the 40th anniversary in 2015—the only KISS monument in the world.

Executive Director of the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau, Kathy Morin, sums it up: “Cadillac has had this magical connection to KISS ever since the band surprised the community with a homecoming concert 50 years ago, and we are celebrating in a big way in 2025. Whether you were here in 1975, you’re part of the KISS Army, or you’re just curious, we invite everyone to be part of the energy.”

For a full schedule of events and updates, visit kisscadillac.com.

Note: Pophouse Entertainment and its affiliates are the exclusive owners of the KISS brand and associated intellectual property. All rights reserved.

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