After Pophouse Entertainment Group acquired the band's entire music catalog, likeness and brand name, the bassist says they prepare something that 'will blow your socks off.'
- Apr 4, 2024
AceShowbiz - Gene Simmons, the iconic frontman of KISS, has spoken up on the band's partnership with Swedish entertainment group Pophouse Entertainment Group, which has acquired the band's entire music catalog, likeness and brand name. Simmons emphasizes that this move was a "natural thing" and not something they were initially seeking.
Despite the sale, Simmons assures fans that "the beginning of KISS is going to be something that will blow your socks off," with new developments under Pophouse's direction. He believes that it is essential to evolve and avoid becoming extinct, as seen in nature.
Pophouse, co-founded by ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus, has already collaborated with KISS on the creation of digitized avatars for the band's use. This technology was showcased at the final night of their farewell tour in December 2023, hinting at future projects such as a biopic, documentary, and a KISS experience.
An avatar show is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2027, showcasing KISS in a novel way. However, Pophouse CEO Per Sundin emphasizes that it will differ significantly from ABBA's "ABBA Voyage" show.
Sundin reveals that Pophouse's goal is to introduce KISS to new generations, a strategy that he believes sets them apart from other music catalog acquisitions. Gene Simmons stresses that the collaboration with Pophouse is not an "acquisition" but a partnership, ensuring that KISS remains involved and committed to the band's legacy.
Along with the sale, Simmons has announced that KISS will no longer tour as a live band. He states, "We're not going to tour again as KISS, period. We're not going to go put the makeup on and go out there."
Pophouse's acquisition of KISS follows their recent partnership with Cyndi Lauper, which included the sale of the majority of her music rights and the creation of an immersive performance project aimed at younger audiences.
