Ahead of KISS’s ultimate live performances at Madison Square Garden on December 1 and December 2, a series of thrilling events are unfolding throughout New York City, including a captivating music-to-light show on the iconic Empire State Building today (Thursday, November 30)
“It’s pretty awesome to be up there,” Paul said. “We climbed the ladder in those boots. It was a pretty interesting time.”
Added Gene: “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!”
For KISS, commemorating this moment alongside the historic Empire State Building aligns perfectly, considering they captured one of their most iconic photos on the building’s 86th-floor observation deck almost 50 years ago. Since then, it has become a symbolic representation of KISS‘s profound legacy and connection with New York City.
The ceremonial lighting display is casting its brilliance upon the building from dusk until 2 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 30. Viewers can also catch the spectacle online on the Empire State Building live cam. The illumination features silver to mirror the KISS logo, while red, purple, blue, and green pay homage to each band character’s distinctive color. The music-to-light show, synchronized with the band’s 1975 hit “Rock And Roll All Nite,” was strategically timed for a 7 p.m. ET broadcast on iHeartMedia New York’s Q104.3.
The Empire State Building’s renowned Observatory Experience recently underwent a $165 million transformation. Those interested in staying informed about each tower lighting can text CONNECT to 274-16.
Bravado, KISS‘s longstanding merchandising agency, collaborated closely with the Empire State Building to orchestrate this extraordinary event.
“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 revealed an extraordinary New York City takeover to mark its final live performances. To honor this historic moment for the most merchandisable band of all time, a series of takeover activations and experiential events are scheduled over a five-day period. The band, in collaboration with Bravado, Universal Music Group’s leading merchandise and brand management company, has meticulously curated and developed these events to pay homage to the band’s profound 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.