SUGAR LAND, Texas - Students from Kingwood High School got a big boost Tuesday night from the band KISS.
"It means so much that some amazing rock legends like KISS would come all the way to Texas to help out some random high school," said Sarah Hoener, a freshman at Kingwood High School.
The high school sustained catastrophic damage during Harvey, and students are out right now because of it. There was serious damage to the theater and arts program as well.
Students lost instruments and music while the orchestra pit completely filled with water.
"It's so difficult to comprehend, because this is what I've been doing since sixth grade," said Hoener, referring to the violin she's played.
Thankfully, hers was saved in the flood. Others were not as lucky. She and nearly 350 of her classmates came to the Smart Financial Centre to hear the band and raise awareness to the fundraiser that's been started to help get Kingwood its music and instruments back.
"The program lost so much," said Jill Wolocko, a parent. "It was hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment. You can't wrap your head around the things that were lost: the music."
Hoener and others got to pose with the band before heading into the show.
"I was studying KISS so that I would be prepared," Hoener said. "I know 'Detroit Rock City,' another great song is 'Beth' and I think it's called 'Lick it Up.'"
Earlier Tuesday, KHOU 11 News was the only TV station there for a show before the show with the KISS guys (the concert was for VIPs in advance of the show).
"Part of being as successful as we are is really about giving back," said Paul Stanley, member of KISS from the beginning. "So here we are urging everybody and doing our part to make sure music and musical instruments are in the Houston schools and young people have them to play."
Gene Simmons also spoke to KHOU 11 News.
"This is not about us," he said. "This is about raising funds and making sure the kids here don’t get too depressed about everything. We’re here to make everyone happy and that’s what this is about."
The kids got to be in the aisles and in front of the stage for the song "I Wanna Rock N Roll All Night" to raise awareness to the campaign that's in partnership with the Grammy Museum Foundation. For more information on how to donate, tap/click here.