Pophouse Acquires KISS IP, Music Catalog

Pophouse, a global entertainment and music investment firm, has announced the acquisition of the American rock band KISS's music catalog, brand name, likeness – including the face paint designs – and trademarks. This partnership will enable Pophouse to further develop and amplify the KISS legacy worldwide, preserving their music, personas, and imagery for generations to come.  

“KISS is one of the most recognized and iconic bands in the history of music,” says Johan Lagerlöf, head, investment, Pophouse. “They redefined the concept of rock shows and have always taken their artistry to new uncharted territories. The band has consistently been able to appeal to new generations of fans, and our mission is to fulfill the band’s vision to become immortal, and to let new generations discover and be part of the KISS journey and carry it forward. With the help of the fans’ energy, the band, our expertise and creativity, we will make that vision happen.” 

Plans for a biopic, an avatar show and a KISS themed experience are already in the works. KISS will remain active and play key roles in the development of the projects, working together with Pophouse. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed. 

“KISS has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has throughout their 50-year career continued to push the boundaries in popular culture,” says Per Sundin, chief executive officer, Pophouse Entertainment. “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 endeavors, by breathing new life into their characters and personas while also leveraging and elevating the visual world of KISS.” 

Pophouse is a Swedish entertainment and music investment firm known for its development of brand-building activities in music and entertainment, such as the “ABBA Voyage” show in London, in which Pophouse is the founding investor. Working closely with KISS, Pophouse will draw upon its in-house creative to unlock new audiences and revenue streams.  

“Our journey with Pophouse is fueled by the desire to eternally resonate across diverse facets of global culture,” says Paul Stanley, lead vocalist, co-founder, KISS. “As we embark on this venture, we aim to weave our legacy into the tapestry of different worlds, ensuring that the KISS experience continues to captivate both our devoted fans and those yet to discover the thrill. This partnership is not just a chapter; it’s an eternal symphony of rock ‘n’ roll immortality.” 

The partnership with KISS marks Pophouse’s second investment outside of Sweden, following the acquisition of Cyndi Lauper’s music catalog. It adds a global brand with a diverse and dedicated fanbase to the firm’s portfolio of international artists. 

As part of the partnership, Pophouse will create digital versions of KISS. The project, already underway, was previewed at the final KISS show in Madison Square Garden, New York, on Dec. 2, when KISS avatars closed the night with a rendition of “God Gave Rock And Roll To You,” resulting in international headlines. Through a combination of technology and creativity, Pophouse will bring the KISS experience to existing and new fans for years to come. The avatar show is planned to launch in 2027. 

“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,” says Gene Simmons, bassist, co-founder, KISS. “Because what Pophouse is doing, is breaking rules. 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.”