Kiss sells brand and songs in multimillion-dollar deal

Iconic rock band Kiss have sealed a multimillion-dollar deal that marks the end of the band’s electric live performances.

Legendary rockers Kiss have sold their catalog and entire intellectual property for an estimated $US300 million ($A456m).

The rights to their band name, music, image, and likeness are now in the hands of Pophouse Entertainment, the Swedish company co-founded by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus.
The sale marks the band’s retirement from live performances on their End of the Road World Tour.

Ulvaeus’ Pophouse said in a statement that the deal would enable them to “further develop and amplify the unique KISS legacy worldwide.”

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.

Gene Simmons aka The Demon, Paul Stanley aka The Starchild, perform during the Hellfest Summer Open Air rock festival in Clisson, western France last year. Picture: AFP

“They redefined the concept of rock shows and have always taken their artistry to new unchartered territories.”

Pophouse said plans for a movie based on the band’s story, an avatar show, and a KISS themed experience were “already in the works.”

The rock group had already collaborated with Pophouse in the creation of digital avatars for stage performances, which Pophouse in December said marked “the withdrawal of the flesh and blood group.”

Pophouse were also among the developers of the “ABBA Voyage” show in London where digital avatars, or “ABBAtars”, performed hits from the iconic Swedish pop group.

In February, Pophouse announced it had acquired the rights to US singer Cyndi Lauper’s music catalogue.

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).

– with AFP