Members of KISS have ultimately reached the age in their careers where they can no longer perform the way they used to. As a way of saying goodbye to their millions of fans, the KISS Army, KISS has announced their new “AVATAR TOUR” set for 2027 with holograms of the band replacing and elevating the KISS concert experience.

The KISS ARMY are somewhat divided on how they feel about the new shows. Some say that the band, namely Paul Stanley (lead vocals) and Gene Simmons (bass) aren’t faithful to the idea of rock or music but are instead only trying to cash a check.

The reason is how long KISS has been playing, over 40 years. Along with all the amounts of marketing KISS has been endorsing.

KISS fan Jayden Zavala shares his opinion on the band’s decision, “Stop being sell-outs,” he exclaims. “If you can’t tour anymore then just don’t tour, you’re already past your band’s lifespan… no reason to prolong it through AI.”

As of now, there is very little information on the concert. Ticket prices, show dates, and what the actual concert will showcase are still up for questioning. There’s also the question of what it means for the future of KISS. For the future of all concerts.

ABBA, a well-known Swedish supergroup, also did something similar. Holograms were created for each of the band’s members to look and sound like their 70s selves, all using motion capture suits to capture their likeness as well as mannerisms and choreography.

Not all AI or technology is only in the live experiences for instance, The Beatles have used AI to replicate the voices of John Lennon and George Harrison to keep their artistic memories alive. The two remaining band members Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney along with the producers were able to create one final Beatles song, “Now And Then,” utilizing this technology. Do you think AI will eliminate the past’s more natural sound to music or will AI expose music lovers to a new world?

Johnathan Bernal is a local in Austin, Texas, the heart of live music, and a fan of many bands along with KISS. He has seen or met celebrities such as Quintin Tarantino,  The Rolling Stones, Johnny Depp, Eagles, and George Straight. Presented with the idea of the new tour, he exclaimed “That’ll be cool!”.

All in all, it is clear that the world of music is changing whether it be for better or for worse is up for subjection. Is it preposterous that KISS is still prolonging their band’s life span all these years? Should ticket prices change considering the new average is in the triple digits? Where do you think music will lead us into the future?