NEWS

US rock band KISS back on the road with worldwide tour and global roster of licensing partners

Published on: 14th July 2021

America’s platinum record selling rock band, KISS is hitting the road once again, continuing its End of the Road World Tour this year, and bringing with it a truly global licensing programme that spans multiple categories across international markets.

Headed up by the band’s exclusive global licensing agent, Epic Rights, a full roster of global partners makes up the licensing list as the rockers kick their worldwide parade back into action. The End of the Road World Tour launched in 2019 but hit the pause button while the world grappled with the coronavirus pandemic.

The tour will now set out to wow audiences in 2021 with rescheduled shows and new additional concert dates. And with the return of the show, comes the return of the band’s established merchandise machine. KISS continues to be among the most merchandised bands in history, and a pioneering force in the music merchandise and licensing industry. KISS branded merchandise is currently available in major retailers around the world, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, Hot Topic, Torrid, Tilly’s, Pacsun, Cotton On, Target, Walmart, and more.

New KISS deals across the US include those with the likes of Dead Sled Coffee and its pre-packaged coffee, Robert Graham and a new fashion and accessories launch, and Lauren Moshi who will be deliver high-end apparel to the market. A line of seasonal apparel will also launch via Ugly Christmas Sweater for the 2021 holiday season.

Meanwhile, international partnerships include those with Brands for Fans and its KISS branded gin and dark rum launching in the UK this year, as well as Europe, Japan, and Australia; Metal Departments for real money gambling worldwide, Fexpro for apparel and accessories in Mexico, Central America, and South America, Konnekt for apparel and accessories in Japan, and EastPak for bags, backpacks, and accessories in the US, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Canada.

“Our licensing partners from around the world continue to do an outstanding job collaborating creatively with us to further build our retail program,” said KISS.

“And we are eternally grateful to our legion of fans that continue to engage and support us, and we cannot wait to get back on the road this year with an explosive tour to remember! We’re pumped and can’t wait to celebrate the wildest and hottest show ever!”

Lisa Streff, EVP global licensing at Epic Rights, added: “KISS’ licensing program is hotter than ever. The band’s merch continues to grow bigger and better year after year into new and unique categories with expansion into new markets around the world, as well as the return of their highly successful global tour in this summer.

“The strong interest from our licensing partners worldwide, as well as the remarkable sell-in and sell through success at retail, is a testament to the never-ending strength of this evergreen giant.”

The complete list of new licensees for the KISS brand is as follows: 

Worldwide & International Deals: 

  • Metal Departments (real money gambling) – Worldwide
  • Brands for Fans (spirits) – UK, Europe, Japan, Australia
  • Absolute Garments (tops for H&M) – Worldwide
  • Bradford Exchange (collectibles) – United States, France, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand
  • Wren & Glory (fashion denim jackets) – Worldwide
  • Ropa Viva (apparel) – Mexico
  • Fexpro (apparel & accessories) – Mexico, Central America, South America
  • Gloria Jeans (apparel) – Russia
  • Konnekt (apparel & accessories) – Japan
  • Replay (apparel collection) – Worldwide
  • Eastpak (bags, backpacks, accessories) – Europe, Middle East, Asia, United States and Canada
  • Aquarius (playing cards, puzzles & board games) – US, Australia, New Zealand, Europe
  • Smartshake (protein drink shakers) – Worldwide
  • Shinko (t-shirts & tote bags) – Japan

 North American Deals: 

  • Dead Sled Coffee (brew-at-home coffee) – United States 
  • Robert Graham (fashion & accessories) – United States, Canada
  • Darring USA (denim & apparel capsule collection) – United States
  • Gotham City (wall art & calendars) – United States, Canada, Mexico
  • Ideastream (storage boxes) – United States,  Canada
  • Lauren Moshi (high-end apparel) – United States
  • My Custom Sports Chair (chairs) – United States, Canada
  • Ugly Christmas Sweater (seasonal apparel) – United States
  • Toynk (toys & games) – United States, Canada
  • J&F Design (plus-size apparel) – United States, Canada
  • Intimo (loungewear, sleepwear, accessories & bags) – United States

Renewed Deals:

  • Liquid Blue (apparel) – United States and Canada 
  • Fun.com (costumes) – Worldwide
  • UD Replicas (costumes) – Worldwide
  • Advanced Graphics (life-size cardboard cut-outs) – United States and Canada
  • Zippo (lighters) – Worldwide

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