Rock band Kiss, known for their elaborate stage performances and iconic makeup, closed out their "The End of the Road" farewell tour at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. However, it seems that their farewell was not as final as fans initially believed. During the encore, the band's current lineup, consisting of founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, guitarist Tommy Thayer, and drummer Eric Singer, left the stage and unveiled their digital avatars.

With cutting-edge technology, Kiss's virtual counterparts took over the stage and performed the classic hit "God Gave Rock and Roll to You." This unexpected transformation marked a new chapter for the band, introducing the concept of digital immortality after their remarkable 50-year career. The use of digital avatars aims to ensure that Kiss continues to entertain and engage with fans for eternity.

The avatars were created in collaboration with George Lucas' renowned special-effects company, Industrial Light & Magic, and Pophouse Entertainment Group. Notably, Pophouse Entertainment Group was co-founded by ABBA's Bj?¶rn Ulvaeus and recently collaborated with Industrial Light & Magic for the "ABBA Voyage" show in London. This show allowed fans to attend a full concert by the Swedish band, performed entirely by their digital avatars.

Per Sundin, CEO of Pophouse Entertainment, expressed excitement about the new technology and its potential for Kiss. Sundin highlighted the ability to have simultaneous concerts in different cities across continents, emphasizing the limitless possibilities this technology offers.

To create their digital avatars, the members of Kiss donned motion capture suits, allowing their movements and expressions to be accurately replicated. The avatars themselves are depicted as superhero-like versions of the band, evoking their larger-than-life stage personas.

The integration of digital avatars in the music industry is not exclusive to Kiss. K-pop star Mark Tuan partnered with Soul Machines to create a digital twin called "Digital Mark," which utilizes artificial intelligence technology to engage with fans in personalized conversations. K-pop girl group Aespa frequently performs alongside their digital avatars, enhancing the visual spectacle of their shows. Another virtual girl group, Eternity, is composed entirely of virtual characters, eliminating the need for human performers.

In a roundtable interview, Paul Stanley emphasized the band's desire for their legacy to continue beyond their individual lifetimes. He stated, "The band deserves to live on because the band is bigger than we are." Stanley's sentiments were echoed by Gene Simmons, who expressed excitement about the technological advancements that will enhance their performances.

For fans who were unable to attend the farewell tour at Madison Square Garden, there is hope on the horizon. A Kiss avatar concert may soon become a reality, allowing fans to experience the band's iconic live performances in a digital format. As Kiss embraces the possibilities of digital immortality, their music and legacy are set to transcend time and geographical boundaries.