Kiss, the iconic glam-rock band, brought their final in-person concert to a close at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday, marked by the revealing of digital avatars of themselves that will enable them to continue touring. The avatars, created through a partnership with Industrial Light & Magic, the special-effects company co-founded by George Lucas, and Pophouse Entertainment Group, co-founded by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus, performed the song God Gave Rock and Roll to You during the encore, paving the way for future generations of Kiss fans to enjoy the band’s music in concert arenas.
The move to implement avatars is seen as a sensible decision, considering the combined age of the band members, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer, totals 273, with Simmons being the oldest at 74. Simmons, the bassist, has been a stalwart of the band since its inception, and his continued involvement will ensure the band’s legacy remains intact.
The creation of the avatars is a significant milestone, following the success of the ABBA Voyage show, an ongoing residency in London, which features holograms of the iconic Swedish pop foursome performing their classic hits from the 1970s. The technology used in the ABBA show, which was also developed by Industrial Light & Magic and Pophouse Entertainment Group, allows for the possibility of Kiss concerts in multiple cities and continents simultaneously, showcasing the potential for the avatars to perform in a variety of locations.
The band members, including Stanley and Simmons, are thrilled about the prospect of continuing their career as digital avatars. In comments reported by the Associated Press, Stanley stated, “What we’ve accomplished has been amazing, but it’s not enough. The band deserves to live on because the band is bigger than we are. It’s exciting for us to go the next step and see Kiss immortalized.” Simmons echoed Stanley’s sentiments, saying, “We can be forever young and forever iconic by taking us to places we’ve never dreamed of before.”
Kiss Ends Final Concert with Digital Avatars, Ushering in a New Era of Virtual Performances
While some music fans may be skeptical about the use of digital avatars, the technology has the potential to allow fans to enjoy their favorite bands or singers in a concert-like atmosphere, even if the original artists are no longer alive. The uncanny valley, where digital representations of humans can evoke a sense of unease or discomfort, may be relevant in this context, but it is also worth considering the potential benefits of this technology, such as the ability to preserve the legacy of iconic bands and provide a new generation with the opportunity to experience their music live.
The success of the ABBA show and the creation of the Kiss avatars may also have implications for the music industry as a whole. While some may see the use of digital avatars as a means of exploiting the legacy of deceased artists, others may view it as a way to keep the spirit of music alive, allowing artists to continue performing and entertaining fans even after they are gone.
The decision by Kiss to create digital avatars marks a significant milestone in the band’s long and illustrious career. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way fans experience live music, allowing them to enjoy their favorite bands and singers in a variety of settings. While there may be concerns about the ethics and implications of using digital avatars, it is clear that the band is committed to continuing their legacy, and this technology provides them with an opportunity to do so in a way that is both innovative and exciting.
