On Sunday (August 18), KISS bassist Gene Simmons was presented with the Key to the City of both Niagara Falls and North Tonawanda, New York. And in an additional honor for the legendary rock star, a segment of Main Street in Niagara Falls was also renamed “Gene Simmons Boulevard.” The ceremony took place at City Hall in Niagara Falls, with Niagra Falls Mayor Robert Restaino and North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec both on hand to bestow Simmons with the keys to their respective cities. In recent years, Simmons has made a considerable investment in the local business community of Niagara Falls due to his partnership with their local beverage company, Rock Steady Sodas.

“The business community in Upstate New York is alive and thriving, and I am honored to be a part of it,” Simmons said during the ceremony. “This is the ideal picture of a homegrown family business exemplifying strong values and commitment to quality. The people and their work ethic make Niagara Falls a wonderful place to do business.” (Consequence of Sound)