- The rock group Kiss recently revealed that they are now interested in a form of digital immortality.
- Kiss can carry on their legacy for “eternity” thanks to new technology.
- The band should continue to exist because their fan base is larger than their own.
The rock group Kiss recently revealed that, fifty years later, they are now interested in a form of digital immortality. During their encore, the band’s current lineup—which includes drummer Eric Singer, guitarist Tommy Thayer, and founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons—left the stage to reveal digital avatars of themselves.
The virtual Kiss began to play “God Gave Rock and Roll to You.” The innovative technology was used to hint at a new phase in the rock group’s history: following 50 years of Kiss, the group is now seeking a form of digital immortality.
Digital Avatars
The special effects company Industrial Light & Magic, owned by George Lucas, collaborated with Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA to create the avatars. Pophouse Group was also involved in the creation of the characters.
Recently, the two companies collaborated on the “ABBA Voyage” show in London, where fans were able to see the Swedish band perform live through their digital avatars. According to Pophouse Entertainment CEO Per Sundin, Kiss can carry on their legacy for “eternity” thanks to new technology.
Kiss used motion capture suits during their performances to create their digital avatars. In some segments of the music industry, such as the K-pop artist Mark Tuan’s collaboration with Soul Machines to develop an autonomously automated “digital twin” dubbed “Digital Mark,” technological experimentation has grown more prevalent. Virtual characters are also used by Aespa and Eternity, among other groups.
According to Kiss frontman Paul Stanley, the band should continue to exist because their fan base is larger than their own. Paul will be able to jump farther than he has ever been able to thanks to technology, bassist Gene Simmons continued.
