The journey is not ending yet, KISS fans.
Rock band KISS introduced a "new era" for the group, unveiling their digital avatars during the "End of the Road" farewell tour.
KISS debuted their digital versions in the final part on the last leg of the tour, opening the stage for the virtual copies to perform their iconic "God Gave Rock and Roll to You" during their encore.
Virtual KISS is composed of the band's current lineup: founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, guitarist Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer on the drums.
The digital avatars were created by the Industrial Light & Magic and the Pophouse Entertainment Group, the same team that made the virtual "ABBA Voyage" show in London.
To copy their likeness, KISS performed their songs in motion capture suits.
After 50 years of head-banging performances, the group continues to live in the virtual world thanks to AI.
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KISS Moves to the Digital World
Stanley said the decision was made so that the band could "live on because the band is bigger than we are." The group had to cancel three of the planned eight concerts after the 71-year-old frontman was struck by life-threatening flu.
Pophouse CEO Per Sundin said similar concerns would not be a problem anymore as the band can continue their legacy for "eternity."
"Kiss could have a concert in three cities on the same night across three different continents," Sundin added.
Industrial Light & Magic was founded by George Lucas and was used to create the visual effects for "Star Wars" and "Jurassic Park." Meanwhile, the Sweden-based Pophouse is responsible for licensing music, podcasting, and stage performances in the digital space.
Digital Avatars in the Music Industry
KISS was not the only music icon that hopped into the virtual avatar trend this year.
K-pop star Mark Tuan became the first celebrity to attach their likeness to OpenAI's GPT Integration to create an automated "digital twin" in partnership with Soul Machines.
Aespa, a K-pop girl group, also uses their digital avatars during performances along with the actual singers.
Just last month, several singers like Charlie Puth and Demi Lovato even lent their voices to be used to generate songs for YouTube shorts.
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