Rock band KISS have sold off their name, back catalogue and likeness in an epic $300m (£270m) deal.
Plans for a movie and ABBA-style avatar show are 'already in the works' after theSwedish entertainment group co-founded by ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus has acquired the rights.
Formed in the 1970s by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, KISS became glam metal icons through their iconic face paint, stage theatrics and hard rock riffs.
Some of their breakout hits include songs like Rock And Roll All Nite (1975) and I Was Made For Lovin' You (1979).
Ulvaeus' Pophouse said in a statement that the deal would enable them to 'further develop and amplify the unique KISS legacy worldwide.'
Rock band KISS have sold off their name, back catalogue and likeness in an epic $300m (£270m) deal to Pophouse, the Swedish entertainment group co-founded by ABBA 's Bjorn Ulvaeus
Plans for a movie and ABBA-style avatar show are 'already in the works'
It said it had acquired KISS' 'music catalogue, brand name and likeness -- including the world-famous face paint designs -- as well as trademarks of the iconic American rock band.'
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
'KISS is one of the most recognised and iconic bands in the history of music,' said Johan Lagerlof, head of investment at Pophouse.
'They redefined the concept of rock shows and have always taken their artistry to new unchartered territories.'
KISS first introduced fans to their new virtual selves back in December following the final performance of their End of The Road World Tour.
The four members hinted at the new era of the rock group as they gave fans at their Madison Square Garden shows a glimpse of four avatars that will essentially fill in for band members Gene, 74, Paul , 71, Eric, 65, and Tommy Thayer, 63, going forward.
Taking to Instagram after the show, the band shared behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the figures and wrote in a caption to its 2.4 million followers, 'A NEW ERA BEGINS #KISSARMY #KISSNEWERA.'
KISS are the latest artist to sign to Pophouse, after it was revealed in February that Cyndi Lauper had alsosigned a deal with the virtual avatar company.
Formed in the 1970s by Paul Stanley , Gene Simmons , Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, KISS became glam metal icons through their iconic face paint, stage theatrics and hard rock riffs (pictured current members Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer and Paul Stanley)
Pophouse Entertainment Group are behind the popular ABBA voyage show (pictured May 2022)
The music icon, 70, revealed she was 'excited' to have taken on this new project which will include both live shows and small screen plans.
'Since we first met, Pophouse has impressed me with their commitment to maintaining and developing my professional life's work and ensuring its legacy,' Cyndi told.
The American singer was over the moon as admitted she is 'pleased' her music legacy is in 'Pophouse's safe hands'.
Holographic projections and digital visuals are on the rise in the entertainment and music industry - with the likes of you U2 and Elvis Presley following suit.
An hologram concert dedicated to the King of Rock and Roll is planned to be in London later this year - through a creative use of AI to bring the star to life from thousands of his personal photos and home-video footage.
Speaking about the latest trend of artists selling the rights to their music catalogues, Alice Chaplin from Addleshaw Goddard's Intellectual Property law firm, said: 'Record sales aren't anywhere near as profitable as they used to be and a lot of legacy artists who aren't able, or don't want, to spend a year on tour are having to find new ways of making money.'
She explained: 'It is becoming increasingly common to see major artists selling on the rights to their music catalogues, but it is interesting to see that these deals are now evolving to include rights to their whole 'brand' as an artist and even their physical likeness, to be used for things like for virtual shows.
'It's a win-win situation for the artists and an interesting example of how the music industry is evolving in response to the disruption caused by streaming services over the last decade.'
KISS are the latest artist to sign to Pophouse, after it was revealed in February that Cyndi Lauper had also signed a deal with the virtual avatar company (pictured in March 2023)
Meanwhile even Justin Bieber has sold his entire music catalogue - featuring songs from his entire 15 year recording career - for a whopping $200million (pictured August 2022)
'It's also a useful reminder for artists that there is value not only in their music catalogues, but also in their individual identity as artists that can be leveraged, and is therefore important to protect.'
The iconicAbba's hologram show ABBA Voyage has pumped £322million into the British economy- with more than a million tickets bought at up to £181.50 each.
The gig five years in the making takes the audience back to Abba's 1970s and 1980s prime and allows fans to experience them in concert, despite their split back in December 1982.
Gary Barlow was one of the most recent performers to admit he was mesmerised by the use of digital art screens and graphics - after he attended the U2's 'spectacular' gig at Las Vegas' Sphere.
The Take That frontman, 53, was so star-struck by the experiencehe admitted he would love to emulate that for theband's comeback tour This Life On Tour.
He told The Sun:'The one thing I came away from the gig with is that U2 are amazing. When the screen came on 18,000 people breathed in'.
'I think experiences like the Sphere or headsets and VR are going to move music on'.
Gary also tipped his hat to Coldplay saying they do something similarly cutting edge with lights at their arena gigs.
Meanwhile even Justin Bieber has sold his entire music catalogue - featuring songs from his entire 15 year recording career - for a whopping $200million.
The hitmaker sold his music rights to Blackstone-backed Hipgnosis Songs Capital in 2023.
Founder of Hipgnosis Song Management Merck Mercuriadis released a statement at the time: 'The impact of Justin Bieber on global culture over the last 14 years has truly been remarkable.
'This acquisition ranks among the biggest deals ever made for an artist under the age of 70, such is the power of this incredible catalog that has almost 82 million monthly listeners and over 30 billion streams on Spotify alone.
'Scooter Braun has helped him build a magnificent catalog, and it's a pleasure to welcome Justin and his incredible songs and recordings to the Hipgnosis family.'
