The kings of rock merchandising strike again
As a kid, I enjoyed every sloppy, loud, outta-tune classic KISS pumped out right up until the disco-tastic “I Was Made for Loving You” when disillusioned KISS Army members began screaming sellout. I never understood how this point in KISStory came to be known as the point when they sold out?
KISS have never shied away from a financial opportunity and had more success in the area of merchandising than even the most popular kids’ movies. Aside from the usual tee-shirts, KISS had Pez dispensers, action figures, baby clothes, cologne, wine, condoms, caskets, lunchboxes and on and on. So this latest announcement of a KISS/M&Ms joint venture should come as no surprise.
Sellout? No. This is an entertainment enterprise of the highest caliber. KISS were actually ahead of their time in the music business. While their album sales rank higher than even Elvis and The Beatles, a big chunk of their billion-dollar empire has come from unorthodox avenues.
Nowadays, it’s no surprise to hear of bands enhancing — or even circumventing — the efforts of record labels in order to make money. Back in the early to mid 70s however, this was unheard of.
This should be a lesson for any new artists struggling to make it. Forget the old, worn-out method of ‘write/record/get signed/tour’ and try something (anything) new. There are no guarantees you’ll succeed, but taking control of your own destiny is always a good thing.
I can’t believe I’m using KISS to illustrate that point!
I can’t believe Gene Simmons melts in your mouth, not in your hands!!
I can’t believe I have that image in my head now!!
By the way; The limited edition KISS M&M’s will be released in October ’09.
11 Comments
Actually, PEZ never officially made a set of dispensers with the KISS characters. You will see KISS PEZ all over the internet, and every single set of them are hand painted wonder woman dispensers. Some artists even went to the trouble to custom make packaging that looks real! Find out more real facts about PEZ @ collectingpez.com !
Thanks for the info Dale. I had no idea about the pez dispensers. Interesting.
So all of those PEZ dispensers I’ve seen were not sanctioned by the band? How did Gene Simmons let that one get by?
i want to buy the kiss figures….how????
As far as I know, there are no KISS/M&M figures available. This is an ad campaign for a limited edition type of M&Ms (dark chocolate) that will feature the above art and KISS endorsement.
the above article, mentions the Kiss M&M figurines will be out in October 09????
I like them!!
Melinda … as I mentioned above, there are no actual M&M figurines. This is an ad campaign for a limited edition type of M&Ms. But if enough people let Gene Simmons know they want figurines, I bet he’ll figure a way to make them happen
So how do we email Gene Simmons. I’m all over it! They would make a ton if they did market the figurines
I have all 4 Kiss / M&M figures. Mint condition, never opened boxes . …… Hey bidder , bidder !!
I have all 4 Kiss/M&M figures in unopened boxes , mint condition for sale , make me a serious offer and we can deal… captainguitar1@yahoo.com
I have all 4 kiss M@M figures still in the original boxes, never opened, placed in plastic bags …. Mint condition .. Email me at. captainguitar1@yahoo.com