Epic Rights, the full-service global branding and merchandising company - representing the merchandising, licensing, e-commerce and social media interests for legendary rock band KISS - has secured the participation of the iconic rockers in this year’s 88th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking their first appearance in one of the most watched events on television.

The special performance by KISS will be led by more than 600 cheerleaders from around the country, paying tribute to the band with a rocking KISS medley. The 88th edition of America’s favorite holiday tradition will begin at 9:00 AM on Thursday, November 27th, ready to entertain more than 3.5 million spectators lining the streets of Manhattan and more than 50 million viewers nationwide.

Celebrating 40 years of global success this year, KISS is enjoying one of the most prolific periods of their career, invigorated by the band’s recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and now upcoming appearance at the 88th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The band also wraps up the North American leg of its 40th Anniversary tour, culminating with nine nights of KISS Rocks Vegas at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas (November 5th to November 23rd), and then setting off in 2015 on the European/international leg of the tour. Additionally, Gene, Paul and their KISS Navy crew recently set sail for the KISS Kruise IV Dressed To Kill annual event.

Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley jointly stated: “2014 has been a banner year for us and participating in one of the country’s most beloved events caps off what has truly been a spectacular 40th Anniversary. We can’t wait to rock the Big Apple with our fans on Thanksgiving.”

“Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the most popular and visually spectacular holiday parade in America, and there is no doubt that KISS, unequalled in the world of concert performance, will deliver stunning theatrics at the Parade,” comments Juli Boylan-Riddles, Executive Vice President of Global Strategic Partnerships & Licensing. “With loyal KISS fans now beginning to introduce their teens to the band, this is a fantastic opportunity for the millions of Parade spectators and viewers to enjoy a performance from The Hottest Band in the World.”

Other highlights for KISS in 2014 have included the launch of its inaugural LA KISS Arena Football League Season that brings professional football back to Los Angeles; starring in 4th and Loud, a new primetime docu-series from AMC, which follows the football team’s season launch; and being featured in major advertising and marketing campaigns for John Varvatos, Google Play and Rock & Brews. Additionally, Epic Rights is launching a social media campaign targeting the 13 million plus Kiss Army Fans that passionately pledge their support to KISS and KISS’ licensees and retailers.