When technology merges with art, the boundaries of reality expand. This is the case of the rock band KISS. Inspired by ABBA's 'Voyage' project (we talked about it here) the legendary “masked” rockers have undertaken an extraordinary transformation.
The adoption of digital avatars will ensure the band an eternal presence on the scene, and will be yet another forerunner for new forms of entertainment that overcome human limits.
The turning point: digital avatars wanted for rock legends
KISS's transition into the digital world has been prepared down to the smallest detail: the collaboration with Industrial Light & Magic, the company founded by George Lucas, is not an insignificant detail. 100 million records sold, already in the Rock Hall of Fame for 10 years, the four guys don't want to give up. And then they bring about the union of two worlds, that of digital entertainment and that of rock music, which once again creates something completely new and bold.
The process of transforming the New York band members into digital avatars is a mix of engineering and art. Using advanced motion capture techniques and machine learning algorithms, the developers managed to capture not only the physical appearance of the band members, but also their movements, expressions and peculiarities that make them unique. This approach has allowed us to create avatars that are not simple digital replicas, but true extensions of the artistic essence of KISS.
A historic (re)debut at Madison Square Garden
The debut of KISS Avatars at Madison Square Garden was a history-making event. After the last piece (performed live) the four "originals" left the stage, bidding farewell to the live concerts. The four avatars arrived to take over, singing the famous song "God Gave Rock And Roll To You".
A bit like the spark of creation, or of the Resurrection. This ideal “handover” is the beginning of a new chapter, in which the band can exist and perform in ways that were previously unthinkable.
As with ABBA, "rejuvenated" and polished in their avatar version, the new KISS lineup is not limited by human physical constraints and can reach unexplored places, including virtual worlds and augmented realities. This technology opens the door to new forms of concerts, where avatars can create immersive and interactive experiences for the audience.
KISS “reloaded”: cultural and artistic reflections
It goes without saying, or rather, no: the digital turn once again raises profound questions about the nature of art and creative expression. The digital immortality of KISS (as well as that of ABBA, or in other fields that of Eva Herzigova) challenges our traditional conceptions of performance and stage presence.
Some see this evolution as a natural extension of artistic potential, while others may question the loss of authenticity and human connection. The truth, as always, lies in the middle. Perhaps.
Ultimately, KISS's "digital transformation" is a rather assertive tribute to their cultural legacy, and a bold step towards the future of entertainment. With this project, art and music are increasingly shown to be realms limited only by our imagination.
