CELEBRITY
Kiss Sells Music Catalog, Likenesses To Pophouse Entertainment For Avatar Show
kissonline/Instagram
Rock band Kiss sold their music catalog, brand name, and likenesses to Pophouse Entertainment Group, a Swedish firm co-founded ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus, the company announced Thursday.
Last year, the company created digital avatars of Kiss members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, which appeared on stage at New York City’s Madison Square Garden during the band’s farewell tour.
Pophouse said plans for a biopic, an avatar show, and a KISS themed experience are already in the works, with Kiss playing key roles in the development of the projects.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it was estimated to be worth more than $300 million, per reports.
“KISS is one of the most recognized and iconic bands in the history of music. 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 bands 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” Johan Lagerlöf, Head of Investment at Pophouse, said in a statement.
“KISS has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has throughout their 50-year career continued to push the boundaries in popular culture. The bands 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,” said Per Sundin, CEO at Pophouse Entertainment.
Pophouse saw success creating the ABBA Voyage show in London, performed by digital avatars. The technology was created by George Lucas company Industrial Light & Magic in partnership with Pophouse.
“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. Because 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,” said Kiss co-founder and bassist Gene Simmons.
”Our journey with Pophouse is fueled by the desire to eternally resonate across diverse facets of global culture. 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; its an eternal symphony of rock n roll immortality,” said Paul Stanley, Kiss co-founder and lead vocalist.
The first Kiss avatar show is expected to launch in the second half of 2027.
TMX contributed to this article.
