Some things may not be “forever” for KISS after the legendary rock band announced they were selling their catalog, brand name and IP.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, they signed a contract with Sweden's Pop House Entertainment Group. The company, founded by Swedish music executive Per Urban Sundin, paid $300 million to buy the band, Bloomberg reported.
“Pop House, a pioneering global entertainment and music investment firm, owns the music catalog, brand name, likeness (including the world-famous face paint design), and trademarks of the iconic American rock band KISS. ,” Stockholm said. -based company said in a news release.
What does Pop House plan to do with the KISS catalog and portrait?
Pop House called the deal a “groundbreaking partnership,” with the private entertainment company “preserving KISS's iconic music, enigmatic personas, and expressive images for generations to come.” This will allow us to “further develop and expand KISS' unique legacy around the world.”
According to the release, the company is planning biopics, The Avatar Show, and KISS-themed experiences. The company added that the band will “play an important role in the development of the project” and work in collaboration with the pop house.
“We've always broken new ground in pop culture, and this partnership ensures we'll continue to do so for years to come,” said KISS bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons. will be done,” he said in the release. That’s against the rules…The future couldn’t be more exciting!”
KISS signs with pop house after bidding farewell to live tour
The deal comes after KISS bid farewell to their live tour in December 2023 after their final performance at Madison Square Garden.
“This is…the end of the road,” KISS co-founder, frontman and co-lead vocalist Paul Stanley said during their final performance in New York. “As sad as it sounds, tonight is a night to celebrate what we accomplished together. And we couldn't do it without you.”
Before the band's final performance came to a close, a message was displayed on the arena's video screens: “A new era for KISS begins now.'' Immediately after the message, digital avatars of the band appeared on the monitor and began playing “God Gave Rock and Roll To You.”
KISS's final live show in New York sets the stage for pop house deal
Unbeknownst to KISS fans, the digital avatar was a project with the pop house and was previewed at the band's final performance, according to a company release.
“Through a magical combination of cutting-edge technology and unparalleled creativity, Pop House will deliver an authentic KISS experience to both existing and new fans for years to come,” the company said. Stated.
According to Pop House, the Avatar show is scheduled to begin in 2027.
“Our journey with Pop House is fueled by a desire to resonate forever across diverse facets of world culture,” Stanley said in a release. “As we embark on this adventure, we aim to weave our heritage into a tapestry of diverse worlds and ensure that the KISS experience continues to captivate both our die-hard fans and those yet to discover the thrill.” This partnership is not just a chapter, it's a chapter. It's an eternal symphony of immortal rock and roll.”
According to the company, the only other pop house that has acquired or partnered with a music catalog from an artist outside of Sweden is Cyndi Lauper, the singer of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” who sold it in February. It is said that only those who have done so.