Gene Simmons To Sing National Anthem At Vikings-Steelers London Game
By Adam Carlson
Jan 15, 2012; Vancouver, British Columbia,CANADA; Recording artist Gene Simmons (right), wife Shannon Tweed (center), and daughter Sophie Simmons (left) attended the game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Arena. The Anaheim Ducks won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
We all should have heard of the band KISS. Their anthem of “I Wanna Rock And Roll All Nite” is still used at sporting events around the world to hype up fans everywhere. Even if they haven’t heard of the legendary rock band, they may have seen some of the television shows featuring their lead singer, Gene Simmons. Simmons has been the star of such shows as “Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels” and “Gene Simmons’ Rock School”.
Gene Simmons has also shown his love for football recently. He is one of the co-owners of the new Arena Football League team, the LA Kiss, which will make their debut in 2014. It is only fitting that the international star would sing the national anthem of the United States for the first game in the NFL’s International Series on Sunday, September 29th, 2013.
This won’t be Simmons’ first time singing the national anthem at an NFL game. His most recent performance in front of an NFL crowd was in Oakland for their home game against the San Diego Chargers in 2012. Simmons had some words to say about the honor of being selected to sing the anthem:
"September 10, 2012; Oakland CA, USA; Recording artist Gene Simmons before singing the national anthem before the game between the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports“I’m excited to be touching down in London to sing our US National Anthem at the Vikings-Steelers game. I always love playing a role in these types of high-action, fast-paced games, not to mention returning to the UK and performing in front of some the best fans in the world!’’ – Gene Simmons"
The Steelers-Vikings game will kick off at 6:00 p.m. UK time (which is 1:00 p.m. ET). Fans in the UK can catch the action on Channel 4, Sky Sports and Absolute Radio 90s. North American fans can watch the game on CBS.