KISS, digital avatars set up the next live era for the band
23.06.2026 - 01:25:34 | ad-hoc-news.de
KISS closed their long-running End of the Road farewell tour in New York in December 2023, but the band are not disappearing. At that final Madison Square Garden show, they unveiled plans for new digital avatar performances created with Pophouse Entertainment and Industrial Light & Magic, keeping KISS on stage in virtual form according to a detailed Rolling Stone report.
From farewell tour to virtual KISS
The End of the Road tour began in 2019, paused during the pandemic, then resumed and ultimately wrapped with two nights at Madison Square Garden on December 1 and 2, 2023, in the band’s hometown New York City, as documented by The New York Times.
At the end of the final show, giant on-screen avatars of the band appeared, signaling a transition from human performers to a technology-driven format designed to extend the KISS experience to future generations of arena audiences.
How the avatar shows are planned
The digital versions of KISS are being developed with Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment, which is also behind the ABBA Voyage project in London, and with visual effects house Industrial Light & Magic, with the goal of presenting immersive concerts built around the band’s iconic costumes and personas, according to industry coverage in Variety.
The concept is expected to allow KISS to tour virtually in multiple cities and countries over time, using high-end projection and motion-capture technology so U.S. fans and international audiences can see a consistent high-production show without the original members on stage.
All news and background on KISS
For more reports on KISS, from classic albums to tour news and future projects, you can explore the full coverage in the AD HOC NEWS archive.
The musical identity behind the makeup
KISS are rooted in hard rock and arena-ready pop hooks, mixing melodic choruses, simplified riffing and theatrical arrangements. Key albums like Destroyer (1976), Love Gun (1977), and the 1975 live set Alive! defined their blend of heavy guitars, shout-along vocals and pyrotechnic showmanship.
Where the band stands now
KISS have ended traditional touring after the Madison Square Garden shows in December 2023 and are currently preparing their next phase built around the announced avatar concerts.
KISS at a glance
- Act: KISS
- Genre: Hard rock / arena rock
- Origin: New York City, United States
- Active since: 1973
- Lineup: Paul Stanley (vocals, guitar), Gene Simmons (bass, vocals), Tommy Thayer (guitar), Eric Singer (drums)
- Label: UMe / Universal Music Group
- Key works: Destroyer (1976), Alive! (1975), Love Gun (1977), Creatures of the Night (1982)
- Current album/single: Off the Soundboard: Poughkeepsie, New York, 1984, released April 7, 2023
- Charts / certifications: Multiple RIAA awards, including the 1976 album Destroyer certified Platinum in the U.S.
- Next live date: currently with no announced live date
Frequently asked questions about KISS
When did KISS play their final traditional concert?
KISS played the final show of their End of the Road farewell tour at Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 2, 2023.
What is planned next for KISS after touring?
The band are working on digital avatar concerts with Pophouse Entertainment and Industrial Light & Magic, aiming to keep KISS performances active in a virtual, immersive form.
Which classic KISS album is considered a breakthrough?
The 1975 live album Alive! is widely regarded as their commercial breakthrough, capturing the band’s high-energy stage sound and significantly boosting their profile in the U.S. rock market.
This article was created with AI assistance and editorially reviewed. All information without guarantee; dates, chart positions and certifications may change at short notice.
