Alan Cole | Xperedon

US glam rockers are extending the hand of reconciliation between America and the British on the occasion of American Independence Day…

The band, known for their outrageous make-up and performances as well as selling more than 100 million albums, are supporting the British military charity Help for Heroes today, July 4, on American Independence Day with a benefit concert in London.

Although the Fourth of July holiday is not widely celebrated in the UK for obvious reasons…something to do perhaps with the British defeat at the hands of American independence forces in 1776…

Despite all that being largely forgotten now, the move by Kiss will no doubt be welcomed as a move to further enhance the international relations between the two countries for the ‘minor troubles’ that involved colonisation of America by Britain and later a protracted war in the 18th Century over tea prices that spilled into a global conflict.

Putting that to one side Kiss have taken it on themselves to pay tribute to the UK forces charity Help for Heroes on American Independence Day as a mark of respect for the modern military charity and as part of celebrations of democracy taking place…

The Fourth of July fundraiser at The Forum in London for Help for Heroes sees all proceeds from the concert go to the charity that cares for sick and injured troops. The band are also donating proceeds from a new single ‘Hell or Hallelujah’ to Help for Heroes.

Help for Heroes founder Bryn Parry says the money raised will be used to provide practical support for wounded service persons…

 Help for Heroes has become one of the most successful fundraising organisations in the UK in recent years, having raised over £130 million since its launch in 2007 via a network of grass-roots and high profile supporters. All funds raised by the charity go to a range of projects including the state-of-the-art Rehabilitation Complex at Headley Court funded by the charity.

The band Kiss have long supported fundraising in America for returning troops charities and wanted to do the same for the UK.

Kiss’ Paul Stanley explained: “The greatest national treasure of any free country is the army that defends it at all cost…”

On the Fourth of July the band are also urging fans to support the Help for Heroes charity for that reason…