Featured Image: Llann Wé²/ CC BY-SA 3.0/ Edited for size
Stockholm-based Pophouse Entertainment has purchased the brand, likeness, back catalogue of songs, and intellectual property of iconic rock band Kiss.
By purchasing the intellectual property, the Swedish company will be able to produce future AI-generated content, having worked with Kiss previously on a digital avatar project in December last year.
At the final Kiss show at New York’s Madison Square Garden, the audience was surprised with a preview of the Kiss avatars, closing the concert with ‘God Gave Rock And Roll To You’.
Pophouse Entertainment also produced the ABBA Voyage concerts, and was co-founded by ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus. A Kiss avatar show is planned to launch in 2027, according to Pophouse.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Kiss said: “For many months, we have worked relentlessly to make sure KISS lives on – and today, we’re proud to announce that KISS and Pophouse, the pioneering global entertainment and music investment firm, will enter the future together.”
For many months, we have worked relentlessly to make sure KISS lives on – and today, we’re proud to announce that KISS and Pophouse, the pioneering global entertainment and music investment firm, will enter the future together.
"The future could not be more exciting,” says Gene… pic.twitter.com/OAKlXCml5m
— KISS (@kiss) April 4, 2024
According to reports, the deal was worth roughly $300m (£238m/€267m) but the full financial terms were not disclosed.
Pophouse said that plans for a biopic, an avatar show and a Kiss-themed experience were already in the works.
“Kiss is one of the most recognised and iconic bands in the history of music,” said 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”
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