Photo Credit: Lynn Goldsmith

Pophouse, a Swedish entertainment firm, has acquired the complete music catalog of metal-mavens KISS and the likeness associated with their trademark branding. The company announced the accretion on Thursday, April 4, making the New York-formed troupe the latest to join the ranks of other artists to part ways with their songbooks, including Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart and more. 

According to initial reports, the band has supposedly traded in its intellectual property for an estimated $300 million, according to BBC News, timing the sale with the End of the World Tour, which officially wrapped on December 2, 2023. Notably, the Pophouse and KISS’ coming together was put into motion at the same time the band wrapped their final tour date, when the two entities came together for a digital avatar project. 

In the official press release outlining the sale, Johan Lagerlöf, Head of Investment at Pophouse, said, “KISS is one of the most recognised and iconic bands in the history of music. They redefined the concept of rock shows and have always taken their artistry to new unchartered 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.”

Per Sundin, CEO at Pophouse Entertainment, also commented, “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 endeavors, by breathing new life into their characters and personas while also leveraging and elevating the visual world of KISS.” 

KISS was formed in New York City by Paul Stanley (vocals, rhythm guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals, bass guitar), Ace Frehley (lead guitar, vocals), and Peter Criss (drums, vocals). The band known for their black and white facepaint, big hair, and unique fashion choices, defied the rock canon and what folks expected when attending a concert.