After bidding farewell at their final concert, iconic rock band Kiss is planning to keep the stage alive in an unprecedented way. By transforming into digital avatars, these music legends aim to connect with their fans on a whole new level. Emulating the success of ABBA's "ABBA Voyage" show, Kiss is set to continue performing for the masses in this innovative format.
ABBA paved the way with their pioneering avatar concert, and it seems Kiss is ready to ride on this wave. While their last show took place at New York's Madison Square Garden last weekend, the band is not ready to say goodbye just yet. Instead, they're planning to redefine their presence through a modified version of themselves – digital avatars.
In an announcement they made in New York, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and their bandmates revealed the start of a new era for Kiss. To give fans a sneak peek, they released a short video titled "KISS - A New Era Begins," showcasing the creation of the avatars and giving hints at what's to come in future shows. "The end is just the beginning," the description reads, hinting at an extended presence in the music world.
Prior to their last concert, Gene Simmons stated in a Rolling Stone interview that it would indeed be their final performance in makeup. However, he did not rule out future concerts without masks and costumes. With their partnership with Pophouse Entertainment, the company involved in the ABBA avatar project, and Industrial Light & Magic, the visual effects company founded by 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' mastermind George Lucas, it seems KISS is gearing up to keep the 'Kiss' alive – virtually and forever.
Industrial Light & Magic is responsible for creating the digital avatars of the band members, allowing them to perform for their fans in this way for several more decades. The company shared that the technology could enable KISS to keep entertaining fans without the physical limitations that come with age.
According to a report in Music Week, the digital avatar show of ABBA welcomed one million visitors within a year of its launch. The regular, near-sold-out shows in London are scheduled to continue until the end of 2024. While specific details about Kiss' digital shows are yet to emerge, it's clear that the band is eager to replicate the success of their contemporaries in the virtual realm.
[1] "Kiss unveils digital avatars for concert series" - Music Week,
[4] "Kiss to perform as digital avatars post-farewell tour" - Variety,
