A fond KISS farewell to veterans and fans

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KISS official band photo

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As legendary rockers KISS played their final farewell concert in Sydney in October, they thanked not just their fans, but Australia’s veterans.

Concluding their stellar live career, KISS leaves an enduring legacy for both their legion of fans and for military veterans and families through their Support Our Veterans Appeal.

The aim of the appeal was to raise donations and public awareness to support the health and wellbeing of returning soldiers, sailors and aviators. For every concert ticket sold from 5 September, $10 was donated to Legacy and Wounded Heroes Australia.

Speaking about the appeal on Chanel 7’s Sunrise, lead singer Paul Stanley, whose father was a Holocaust survivor, said: ‘Whether it’s in America, the Wounded Warriors or your Wounded Heroes and Legacy, for us it’s a matter of pointing fingers and going: “These are the people who make freedom possible. Freedom is only free for the people who don’t have to sacrifice for it.” So for us, it’s a great way to perhaps give back something and say another thank you to the people who make this all possible.’

Wounded Heroes Australia President Martin Shaw said the charity was incredibly honoured to be chosen alongside Legacy as a beneficiary.

‘When we received the news of KISS’s support, we were ecstatic!’ Mr Shaw said. ‘Paul’s sentiment hits home and is at the heart of everything we do. KISS’s generosity will help us provide critical support to veteran families Australia-wide. We can’t thank KISS enough for shining a light on the cause.’

In addition, KISS made 5,000 free concert tickets available to be distributed to serving ADF personnel and veterans so they could attend and enjoy the day with their families and friends. Both charities also collected donations at Accor Stadium during the concert and activated channels for direct donations.

Lieutenant General Greg Bilton the ADF’s Chief of Joint Operations, is a patron of Wounded Heroes and an advocate for Legacy.

‘I am extremely proud of the dedication these charities have to support the families of veterans who have lost their lives or been injured as a result of their service,’ Lieutenant General Bilton said.

‘I would like to also thank KISS for the Support our Veterans Appeal to help raise funds for both of these charities and for extending the opportunity to current and ex-serving ADF members and their families to come and enjoy the band’s last concert in Australia.’

The money raised from the Support Our Veterans Appeal is going to Legacy, the iconic Australian charity that has been supporting the families of veterans for 100 years, and to Wounded Heroes Australia, a national defence community organisation that provides 24/7 emergency crisis support to ADF personnel, veterans and their families in immediate financial crisis or experiencing homelessness.

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Legacy beneficiary Jacky Gavin and her children with KISS backstage, Lieutenant General Bilton (far left) and Martin Shaw, President of WUounded Heroes (far right). (Image: Wounded Heroes)

Legacy beneficiary Jacky Gavin and her children with KISS backstage, Lieutenant General Bilton (far left) and Martin Shaw, President of WUounded Heroes (far right). On behalf of the ADF, Greg Bilton handed the members of KISS a genuine Australian slouch hat in appreciation for their generous support. (Image: Wounded Heroes)