Leading up to KISS’s highly anticipated final live performances at Madison Square Garden on December 1 and December 2, a series of thrilling events will unfold across New York City, culminating in a captivating music-to-light show on the iconic Empire State Building on November 30
For KISS, the celebration alongside the historic Empire State Building holds special significance, echoing back to a moment nearly 50 years ago when they captured one of their most iconic photos on the building’s 86th-floor observation deck. Since then, this location has served as a poignant symbol of the band’s enduring legacy and deep-rooted history with New York City.
“It’s pretty awesome to be up there,” Paul Stanley said. “We climbed the ladder in those boots. It was a pretty interesting time.”
Added Gene Simmons: “We were nuts! We would do anything you could imagine. Let’s go on top of the Empire State Building and hang over the side for a photo. That’ll look cool. Let’s go!”
The ceremonial lighting spectacle is set to grace the skyline on Thursday, November 30, casting its brilliance from dusk until 2 a.m. ET. Those unable to witness it in person can catch the stunning display online via the Empire State Building live cam. The dynamic illumination will feature silver hues to mirror the KISS logo, alongside red, purple, blue, and green, paying homage to the iconic colors associated with each band character.
Synchronized to the band’s 1975 hit “Rock And Roll All Nite,” the music-to-light show is scheduled for a 7 p.m. ET broadcast that evening on iHeartMedia New York’s Q104.3. Attendees can experience the live spectacle in-person while utilizing the iHeartRadio app, while fans worldwide can partake in the festivities through the band’s and ESB’s social channels.
The Empire State Building’s renowned Observatory Experience, having recently undergone a $165 million reimagination, invites enthusiasts to text CONNECT to 274-16 for updates on each tower lighting event.
The orchestration of this event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Bravado, KISS‘s longstanding merchandising agency, and the Empire State Building. Together, they have crafted an unforgettable moment that beautifully encapsulates the essence of the band’s monumental journey and enduring connection with the vibrant city of New York.
“As a longtime fan of KISS, it is thrilling to see everything come full circle since the 1976 legendary photo shoot at the Empire State Building to this week’s music-to-light spectacular,” said Matt Young, Bravado president. “As the final two shows approach, Bravado is honored to celebrate the past, present and future of KISS, the band and the brand.”
Last week, KISS announced an epic New York City takeover in honor of its final live shows ever. To celebrate this historic moment for the most merchandisable band of all time, various takeover activations and experiential events are scheduled across a five-day period. KISS, in partnership with Bravado, Universal Music Group‘s industry-leading merchandise and brand management company, have carefully curated and developed these events to pay tribute to the band’s deep legacy and history with New York City.
KISS said: “We’re thrilled to be performing our final shows at MSG since the band originated in New York City over 50 years ago. We are thankful for our long legacy of fans, the KISS Army, and excited to be celebrating through these activations.”
The takeover will kick off on November 29 with the following activations:
* Kisstore Pop-Up (November 30 – December 3) – This immersive experience which will feature memorabilia, apparel, accessories and collectible items from partnerships with Ed Hardy, Oxford Pennant, Trick Or Treat Studios, Funko and exclusive popup store merchandise. Located blocks away from MSG at 248 West 37th Street, New York, NY 10018.
* KISS NYC Takeover Google Map – An immersive Interactive map, built in partnership with Google Maps platform, will let fans easily locate the activation spots pinned throughout the city
* Metro Cards – Penn Station and Herald Square Station will have 50,000 limited-edition KISS-branded metro cards available for purchase starting Monday, November 27.
* New York Rangers Game Night At MSG (November 29 @ 7:30 p.m. ET) – The Rangers match-up against the Detroit Red Wings will feature special band-themed activities and limited-edition KISS x Rangers merchandise.
* New York Post Activation (November 29 – December 1) – Find the branded trikes and brand ambassadors passing out commemorative newspaper wraps and custom cookies.
* Penn Station Digital Ads (November 30 – December 2) – KISS‘s branded digital adverts will run throughout the area.
* KISS Taxi Fleet (November 30) – One-of-a-kind-wrapped taxis will be driving throughout the city.
* Taxis Digital Ads – 800+ taxis will feature KISS digital tops and special TTV content.
* Peloton – KISS is Peloton‘s newest Artist Series with classes on the Bike, Tread, Row and App dropping on the Peloton platform November 30.
* Prince Street Pizza – Themed pizza and collectible KISS pizza box available with all orders of pizza.
* Inked NYC (12/1-12/2) – Complimentary flash tattoos will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and face painting from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Inked NYC, located at 150 W. 22nd St.
* RIPNDIP – Exclusive RIPNDIP merchandise will be available for purchase at the RIPNDIP NYC store at 620 Broadway beginning November 29.
