Kiss sell catalogue to company behind ABBA holograms for €276 million

The hard rock quartet Kiss have sold the catalogue, trademark and iconic face designs, to Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment Group in a deal estimated to be over a staggering $300 million.

The company, founded by ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus, has previously made a deal with Kiss to turn the members of the band into avatars, similar to those in the blockbuster ABBA Voyage arena show concerts.

Kiss took the stage at the final night of their farewell tour in December at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden and ended the concert by revealing digitised avatars of themselves.

The new deal, which is subject to regulatory approval includes master recordings and publishing rights.

The ways in which Kiss’ avatars and catalogue will be utilised has yet to be announced, but Pophouse CEO Per Sundin says fans can expect a biopic, a documentary and a Kiss experience are all on the horizon.

Kiss bassist Gene Simmons said: "We have always been breaking new ground in popular culture, and this partnership will ensure that we continue to do so for years to come because what Pophouse is doing is breaking rules".

Continuing he said: "We already have several plans in development, where the avatar show is one, a biopic another and a Kiss-themed experience a third. The future could not be more exciting."

Per Sundin, Pophouse Entertainment’s chief executive, said: "Kiss has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has throughout their 50-year career continued to push the boundaries in popular culture.

"The band’s enigmatic personas, unparalleled band attributes, and iconic imagery have made them a cultural force and a legendary act with multigenerational appeal.

"We will safeguard and enrich this legacy through future global endeavours, by breathing new life into their characters and personas while also leveraging and elevating the visual world of Kiss."

It is reported that the Kiss Avatar show will be launched in 2027.