Kiss, the iconic rock band known for their distinctive face paint and stage persona, made a groundbreaking announcement at the conclusion of their farewell concert. The event marked the end of their human performances, but the beginning of a new, virtual era for Kiss.
The band, consisting of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, and Tommy Thayer, gave an electrifying final performance at Madison Square Garden, capping off their “End of the Road” tour. Amidst the fanfare, Paul Stanley expressed a bittersweet sentiment, acknowledging the end of an era but also encouraging celebration of their collective journey.
The concert featured a hit-laden setlist, encapsulating Kiss’s impressive musical legacy. However, the most memorable moment came at the end. Following their last live song, “Rock and Roll All Nite,” Stanley hinted at a new beginning. This was followed by a visually stunning display, as avatars representing the band’s iconic characters – the Demon, Starchild, Catman, and Spaceman – materialized on stage. This effect was achieved through a blend of LED projection, lasers, and theatrical effects, creating a larger-than-life, three-dimensional experience.
Industrial Light & Magic, the renowned visual effects company founded by George Lucas, was instrumental in bringing the virtual Kiss to life. Additionally, Pophouse Entertainment, known for their work on the ABBA Voyage hologram show, will oversee the deployment of this new virtual version of Kiss.
This digital transformation opens up a realm of possibilities for the future of Kiss. Per Sundin of Pophouse Entertainment speculated on various potential formats, including concerts, rock operas, musicals, or even narrative adventures, leveraging the ‘superpowers’ inherent in the band’s persona.
Echoing this sentiment, Paul Stanley emphasized in a post-concert promotional video that Kiss transcends its members, belonging not to them but to the fans and the world. This perspective aligns with Stanley’s and Simmons’ previous comments, comparing Kiss to a sports team or an army, where the entity endures beyond individual members.
Thus, Kiss’s journey seems far from over. Instead, it’s poised to evolve, embracing technology to continue its legacy in an innovative and possibly unprecedented form.
