By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
The virtual concert tech company Pophouse has concluded an historic copyright agreement with the legendary rock band Kiss.
The agreement follows a partnership that saw the band unveil their own Pophouse-created avatars at the end of their farewell concert in New York City in December last year.
The quartet that rose from New York City decades ago returned home to play their final live concerts over the weekend at Madison Square Garden, capping a half-century of rocking all night and partying every day.
But for fans, there was a major surprise at the end of the show, as the band introduced the digital avatars who will literally replace them. As the band members disappeared in a cloud of fire and smoke, four figures appeared on a screen behind them, as band member Paul Stanley shouted, “Kiss army, your love—your power—has made us immortal. The new Kiss era starts now. Oh yeah!”
That future is a glimpse of what many believe will be a major part of the future of music, and also of licensing. Kiss as a band has been very successful in licensing their image and brand over the decades, and they’ve now let it be known that the band will continue in digital form, theoretically forever.
Working closely with Kiss, Pophouse says it will follow its unique approach of drawing upon its in-house creative and storytelling expertise to unlock new audiences and revenue streams.
“Kiss is one of the most recognised and iconic bands in the history of music,” says Johan Lagerlöf, Head of Investment at Pophouse. “They redefined the concept of rock shows and have always taken their artistry to new unchartered territories. The band has consistently been able to appeal to new generations of fans and our mission is to fulfill the band’s vision to become immortal, and to let new generations discover and be part of the Kiss journey and carry it forward. With the help of the fans’ energy, the band, our expertise, and creativity—we will make that vision happen.”
Pophouse comes to this deal with experience under its belt. The company was co-founded by ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus, and is headed by entertainment veteran Per Sundin, the company’s CEO.
Since its launch in London in July of 2022, “ABBA Voyage” has grossed more than $1 million per week. Universal Music chairman Lucian Grainge has announced plans to take the show around the world, and there are rumors of a Las Vegas attraction based on the show.
As well, over the past two years Pophouse has also acquired catalogs by the late Swedish DJ-artist Avicii, the electronic music group Swedish House Mafia, and American singer Cyndi Lauper.
The deal with Kiss, however, is a major win for the virtual reality entertainment company, Sundin says.
“Kiss has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has throughout their 50-year career continued to push the boundaries in popular culture,” Sundin points out. “The band’s enigmatic personas, unparalleled band attributes, and iconic imagery have made them a cultural force and a legendary act with multigenerational appeal.
“We will safeguard and enrich this legacy through future global endeavors, by breathing new life into their characters and personas while also leveraging and elevating the visual world of Kiss.”
As part of the partnership, Pophouse is creating digital versions of Kiss that will allow the band to essentially live forever, at least in the hearts of its fans.
That’s literally music to the ears of the band members of Kiss, whose future may well be assured even beyond the grave.
“We have always been breaking new ground in popular culture, and this partnership will ensure that we continue to do so for years to come,” says Gene Simmons, bassist and co-founder of Kiss. “What Pophouse is doing, is breaking rules. We already have several plans in development, where the avatar show is one, a biopic another and a Kiss-themed experience a third. The future could not be more exciting!”
Paul Stanley, the band’s lead vocalist, says he’s looking forward to digital immortality.
”Our journey with Pophouse is fueled by the desire to eternally resonate across diverse facets of global culture,” Stanley says. “As we embark on this venture, we aim to weave our legacy into the tapestry of different worlds, ensuring that the Kiss experience continues to captivate both our devoted fans and those yet to discover the thrill.
“This partnership is not just a chapter; it’s an eternal symphony of rock ‘n’ roll immortality.”
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