Farewell KISS?

My favorite band KISS ended their End of the Road (“The Final Tour Ever” for them) tour Saturday, December 2, of 2023.

Now, this is supposed to be the end of KISS as a touring band.

They’ve said this before, though, so we’ll see.

Immediately after the last show, a video was shown showcasing them as Avatars for a new era of KISS.

Now what does this mean?  Will this be a destination attraction? A traveling concert tour? Will it be an IMAX exclusive showing?  Is it an interactive video game/animated movie?  How much will it cost to see?  Will there be many different versions?  Or something else?  Who knows?

I initially was very upset by this announcement, but then I realized that KISS are the kings of merchandising and have shown themselves as superheroes at various points in their career (comic books, movies, cartoons, video games, toys).

So, I see this, whatever it is, as another way to promote themselves as superheroes, particularly to kids.

And it’s only logical that they would do something like this because it’s perfect for them.

And if you look at the videos shown so far about it, on their official website KISSONLINE, then you will see that they are involved in the making of it. 

They have donned the motion capture clothes so that the makers of this animation can use their voices, movements and expressions to enhance this viewing experience.

I don’t know what this is yet, but it’s only the beginning of many more merchandising things to come.

I personally want more archive releases, both audio and video.  That’s already been happening, but I want more, and I’m sure I’ll get it.

And I don’t know for sure if KISS is truly done playing real live concerts. But if they are, they had a great 50 year run, made many great albums, and have left behind many great memories for fans, such as myself, to love forever.  As well as tons of things for new fans to get into, which I think these Avatar things are tailor made for them, again particularly kids.

No matter what happens, though, I have been a fan of this band since 1998 and always will be.  I first saw them in concert on December 8 of 1998, and have seen them ultimately 11 times over a 25 year period and have met many of the members.

I love every album and every lineup of the band.

I have no apologies for that.

And I will continue to be a fan until I die.

I love KISS forever!!