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Elon Musk and KISS fans weigh in on band's digital avatar plans post final live concert: 'Taste of future'

The US rock band KISS purportedly played their last physical concert at New York's Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The members of the rock band KISS unveiled the immortal digital versions of the band members during their reportedly last live concert at New York's Madison Square Garden on December 2.

As Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer unveiled their digital versions and announced the advent of a "new KISS era" in a virtual world, fans started weighing the options and the feasibility of the move.

The decision to adopt the digital version managed to capture the admiration of Elon Musk who is one of the stalwart pioneers of modern technological advancements. Musk showed his support for the band by tweeting, "Taste of the future."

How were virtual members of KISS introduced?

KISS, known for their top-notch spectacles, performed their swan song in front of a 20,000-strong crowd in New York's Madison Square Garden where they bid farewell to their fans in their signature style. 

Throughout the extravaganza, the band's co-founder and frontman Paul Stanley patted his chest in gratitude and made heart signs to convey his love to the audience who were eager to be a part of the 1970s band's last physical performance. 

Once during the performance, Stanley recounted a story from his cab-driving days in New York City and what inspired him to advance in his career. 

He recalled the story of when he brought a couple to Madison Square Garden to a concert of Elvis Presley and told them, “One of these days people are going to come here to see me,” as per USA Today.

He continued to bid adieu to the audience saying, “This … is the end of the road. It seems sad, but tonight is a night to celebrate what we did together. And we couldn’t have done it without you."

As the band members disappeared following their set-closing 'Rock and Roll All Nite', to the surprise of the audience, a message appeared on the video screen - "A new KISS era starts now.”

As the message was shown on-screen, their virtual counterparts were introduced playing their anthem, 'God Gave Rock and Roll To You'.

The Swedish band ABBA has been the first musical entity to use the digitalization of themselves as avatars. Currently, the band's digital versions have started a virtual concert using their avatars. The concert named 'Voyage' has been playing at the ABBA Arena since May 2022.

KISS has allegedly used the same technology to create their digital counterparts. 

'Let's give this a chance....'

Fans, including Elon Musk, rallied in to weigh the merits of virtualization of the band that has always been known for its showmanship and heart-thumping rock music. 

One of the fans commented on their Instagram post announcing the advent of the new era, "Let's give this a chance...."

Someone else said, "Vocaloid Kiss era."

Another fan showed their unequivocal support and announced, "Hologram concerts??? I’m in!!!🔥🔥🔥."

"There will never be someone with the same energy, the same talent as Paul Stanley. Period. So it is a lot better to see him as an avatar than to see someone taking his place, even with his consent.THIS KISS IS THE BEST FOREVER ❤️," said someone else.

Another fan said, "As a lifetime fan, this is a great way to keep going while also allowing you guys to slow down and spend time with your families ❤️ Forever KISS."

Someone else said, "That would definitely be an interesting experience! It's fascinating to see how technology is shaping the future of live performances. Cheers to embracing nostalgia and enjoying the show!"

"Anyone speculating on whether this is bad or sad should experience it first. I’m only a moderate ABBA fan. I cannot articulate how ecstatically profound it is," said another fan comparing the KISS with the Swedish band ABBA.