Ah, Kiss. The iconic hard rock quartet that never seems to fade away. Just when you think they’ve reached the end of the road, they pull another trick out of their sleeves. Recently, the band made headlines by selling their catalog, brand name, and intellectual property to the Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment Group for a staggering sum of over $300 million. This deal, announced on a Thursday, marks a new chapter in Kiss’ legendary career.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Kiss has crossed paths with Pophouse. The Swedish company, co-founded by none other than ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus, has been making waves in the entertainment industry. With cutting-edge technology developed in collaboration with George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic, Pophouse has been reshaping the way we experience music. Their recent “ABBA Voyage” show in London allowed fans to attend a full concert by the Swedish superstars, performed by their digital avatars in their prime.
As for Kiss, the possibilities seem endless with their avatars now in Pophouse’s hands. While specifics are yet to be disclosed, Pophouse’s CEO, Per Sundin, hinted at exciting projects in the pipeline. A biopic, a documentary, and a unique Kiss experience are all on the horizon. Sundin’s vision is clear – to introduce Kiss to new generations in innovative ways, setting Pophouse apart from traditional music catalog acquisitions.
In a candid Zoom interview with the Associated Press, Kiss frontman Gene Simmons addressed the deal. Dismissing the notion of a mere acquisition, Simmons emphasized the band’s partnership with Pophouse. He reassured fans that Kiss would never sell out to a company they didn’t respect. Despite this groundbreaking move, Simmons made it clear that Kiss won’t be hitting the road again as a touring band.
Pophouse’s investment in Kiss marks their second venture beyond Swedish borders, following their partnership with Cyndi Lauper earlier this year. Lauper, too, handed over the majority share of her music to Pophouse, unveiling plans for an immersive performance project. Described as an “Immersive theater piece,” Lauper’s new endeavor aims to transport audiences to the New York of her youth, offering fresh ways to experience her timeless music.
With Kiss and Cyndi Lauper on board, Pophouse is shaping the future of music entertainment. As fans eagerly await the unveiling of Kiss’ digital avatars and Lauper’s immersive project, one thing is certain – the world of music is in for a revolutionary ride with Pophouse at the helm.