Even though Kiss won't tour anymore, they might have a digital future performing on stage.
The hard rock band sold their catalog, brand name, and IP to Pophouse Entertainment Group, a Swedish company known for the digital “ABBA Voyage” show in London.
The catalog deal, reportedly worth about $300 million, happened five months after Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons ended the band’s final live show at Madison Square Garden by revealing digitized avatars of the band. The virtual Kiss then performed “God Gave Rock and Roll to You” to end “The End of the Road” tour.
Pophouse said in a release that the partnership will help them develop and promote the unique Kiss legacy globally, preserving their iconic music, enigmatic personas, and expressive imagery for generations to come.
The company's statement mentioned plans for a biopic, an avatar show, and a Kiss-themed experience. It also stated that Kiss will continue to be involved in these projects and work closely with Pophouse.
The avatars were created by George Luca’s Industrial Light & Magic in partnership with Pophouse, according to The Associated Press. Pophouse was founded by Abba’s Björn Ulvaeus.
Pophouse CEO Per Sundin told the AP that the Kiss avatar show, starting in North America, would be different from the Abba show, which has sold over 2 million tickets and reportedly brings in about $2 million per week for the iconic Swedish band.
Sundin said the goal is to introduce the “Detroit Rock City” performers to a new generation, making Pophouse different from companies that have been acquiring the catalogs of musicians like Bob Dylan to Justin Bieber in recent years.
Sundin told the AP that Pophouse will own the rights to the artists but will work with Universal (Music Group) and Kiss on these projects.
Simmons told the AP that the “Rock and Roll All Nite” performers would not sell their catalog to a company they didn’t appreciate, preferring to collaborate instead.
He also emphasized that collaboration is important and that they will stay involved with the projects, sharing ideas and staying committed to them.
Simmons clarified that Kiss won't just be passive while Pophouse works, but they will be actively involved, especially Paul Stanley and himself.
Simmons showed doubt about another live tour as Kiss, saying it's not going to happen and they won't put on the makeup and go out on tour again.
He ruled out another live tour as Kiss, stating that they won't go on tour and put on the makeup again.
