Gene Simmons provides update on Kiss hologram show and promises new music
Gene Simmons has confirmed that new Kiss material will be used in their upcoming avatar-based gigs, which were announced after the rockers retired in 2023.
The virtual-reality versions of the band debuted at the end of their farewell tour in December 2023; half a decade later, the holograms will be ready for the stage, with their first performances slated for 2028, according to Pollstar.
The company behind their virtual holograms is none other than the George Lucas-founded visual effects organisation Industrial Light & Magic, who are also behind the ABBA voyage phenomenon.
As per Ultimate Classic Rock, Simmons has shared that “the iconic face personas, the Demon, the Starchild, and so on. Who you want to place into that lineup is up to you.”
Kiss co-leader Paul Stanley then chimed in with the promise that the show will have “all the classics through the years and some surprises.”
Simmons then shared, “You’re gonna get all that stuff, and also new songs.” He elaborated triumphantly that his comment was “exactly what that means, written by us. We have songs done.”
Stanley added that the new holograms are a step up from the “primitive” holograms that “were tried in the past”.
The band is overjoyed that the new experience means that they can stay young forever and separate themselves from other classic bands.
“It’s very interesting, because unlike other rock bands, we’re not confined by their limitations,” Stanley said. “We’re basically Superman with a guitar and a Marshall amplifier.”
Simmons made the headlines recently for his comments on the intersection of arts and politics; the frontman, who was honoured at the Trump Kennedy Centre Honors last year, admonished, “Do your art and shut up. Nobody is interested in your opinions, that includes me, who I vote for, and who I like. Who do you think you are?”
More and more artists appear to be turning towards the potential of hologram performances; earlier this year, it was reported that Pophouse Entertainment acquired Tina Turner‘s name, image, and likeness rights, as well as the majority share of his music catalogue rights.
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