KISS are the next band set to become avatars in a new venture based on the technology behind the ABBA show in London.
The show will premiere in Las Vegas in 2028, according to Pollstar, with KISS reuniting as digital versions of themselves.
The band ended their touring career in 2023 with the “End of the Road World Tour”. After their final concert at Madison Square Garden in December, KISS unveiled an early prototype of the avatars.
Plenty of pyro
Three years ago, Pophouse, the Swedish company behind the avatar technology, acquired the rights to the iconic rock band’s music and brand, and began work on the upcoming show.
Pophouse Entertainment is a private entertainment company based in Stockholm that creates, acquires and develops brands across a range of fields.
The production has been described as “a kind of 4D rollercoaster ride through the hit songs, the comic-book world and the KISS personas”. Last week, pyrotechnic effects were tested against a new generation of LED screens to ensure maximum use of KISS’s trademark fire-breathing spectacle.
4D journey
In interviews, the show has been described as more than just a concert recording. It is intended to be an immersive multimedia experience, almost like a “4D journey” through the KISS universe.
It will not just feature old songs. According to bassist Gene Simmons, KISS has written new music for the avatars to perform.
“We have made songs,” he says, while Paul Stanley assures fans that all the classic tracks will also be included.
“It will be like seeing us for real. My avatar looks exactly like me — not like a cartoon figure or an artistic interpretation. The nice thing about being an icon is that you can stay young forever,” Stanley says in the interview.
Immortal
“ABBA Voyage” has been seen by four million people since its premiere in 2022. Long-time KISS manager Doc McGhee has seen the show four times.
“That was what got me to go to Pophouse — the opportunity to make KISS immortal and bring them into the future,” he says.
When asked which era of KISS will be represented — the current line-up or the original one — Gene Simmons replies that the characters will be The Demon, The Starchild, The Spaceman and The Catman.
“Who you choose to place in the costume is up to you.”
“THIS WILL BE LIKE SEEING US FOR REAL. MY AVATAR LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE ME — NOT LIKE A CARTOON FIGURE OR AN ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION.”
PAUL STANLEY, KISS
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