Kiss concluded their “The End of the Road” farewell tour at New York City’s legendary Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

But, as die-hard fans know, they would never call it quits. Not at all.

The band’s current lineup — founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, guitarist Tommy Thayer, and drummer Eric Singer — departed the stage during their encore to unveil computerized avatars of themselves. Following the change, the virtual Kiss performed “God Gave Rock and Roll to You.”

The cutting-edge technology was used to tease a new chapter in the rock band’s history: after 50 years, Kiss is now interested in a type of digital immortality.

Kiss performed “God Gave Rock And Roll To You” on Saturday night to premiere the band’s virtual version.

Kiss Say Farewell To Live Touring, Become First US Band To Go Virtual And Become Digital Avatars

They have retired from the stage after 50 years to pursue a type of digital immortality.

The shows will be directed by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer’s avatars.

In collaboration with Pophouse Entertainment Group, George Lucas’ special-effects studio created the avatars.

These firms have already established “ABBA Voyage” in London, where fans may attend a full performance by the Swedish band’s digital avatars.

Kiss Say Farewell To Live Touring, Become First US Band To Go Virtual And Become Digital Avatars

George Lucas’ special-effects studio, Industrial Light & Magic, collaborated with Pophouse Entertainment Group, which ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus co-founded to create the avatars. The two firms recently collaborated on the “ABBA Voyage” show in London, where fans could watch the Swedish band perform a full concert – as performed by their digital avatars.

According to Pophouse Entertainment CEO Per Sundin, this new technology allows Kiss to perpetuate their legacy for “eternity.” He claims that the band was not on stage for the virtual concert since “that’s the key thing” with the futuristic technology.

“Kiss could perform in three cities on three continents on the same night.” That’s exactly what you could do with it.”

They performed in motion capture suits to create their computer avatars, depicted as a type of superhero version of the band.

source – AP

Actor Mark Sheppard considers himself fortunate to be alive after suffering a heart arrest.

The “Supernatural” actor said in an Instagram post that he collapsed in his kitchen on Friday.

“I apparently had a 100% blockage in my LAD after six massive heart attacks and being brought back from the dead four times.” “The Widowmaker (sic),” he captioned a photograph of himself in a hospital bed.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the term “LAD” refers to the left anterior descending artery, which delivers blood to the organ’s front left side.

According to the American Heart Association, a heart attack caused by a blockage in this area is sometimes referred to as a “widow maker.”

Sheppard stated that if it weren’t for his wife, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center staff, “I wouldn’t be writing this.”

‘Supernatural’ Actor Mark Sheppard Recovering From Heart Attack

“My chances of survival were virtually nil,” he wrote in an email.

A spokesman for Sheppard verified that the actor is recovering.

Sheppard is most known for his role on “Supernatural” as Crowley, a malevolent fan favorite he played from 2009 until 2017. He is particularly well-known for his role as Romo Lampkin in the science fiction TV series “Battlestar Galactica.”

“You don’t always have to do the most and biggest!” How many heart attacks have you had? Two or three would have sufficed. “You’ve impressed us, okay,” Sheppard’s “Supernatural” co-star Misha Collins commented. “Recover quickly and rejoin us on the road.” “I adore you, pal.”

Kim Rhodes, another of Sheppard’s “Supernatural” co-stars, also commented supporting the actor, adding, “Thank you for staying.”

According to Sheppard, the good news is that he is on the mend.

“I feel fantastic. “Humbled yet again,” he wrote.

Mark is a British-American actor and musician known for his roles in various popular television series, including “Supernatural,” “Battlestar Galactica,” and “Doctor Who.”

He has gained a loyal following for his compelling portrayals of complex and often morally ambiguous characters.

With a career spanning several decades, Sheppard has established himself as a versatile and talented performer, garnering praise for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

source – (CNN)

Frances Sternhagen, a seasoned stage and screen performer known for roles in films such as “Misery” and as Bunny in the HBO series “Sex and the City,” has died, according to a spokesman for Sternhagen.

She was 93 years old. Sternhagen’s representative, Sarah Fargo, issued the following statement on behalf of the late actor’s family:

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear mother, actress Frances Sternhagen, died peacefully of natural causes on November 27th, 2023, at the age of 93, in New Rochelle, NY.” Her six children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren survive her. A celebration of her outstanding career and life is planned for mid-January when she turns 94. Her love and life continue to inspire us.”

Sternhagen’s son, John Carlin, paid tribute to his mother on his Instagram page on Wednesday, adding she “was beloved by many.” I consider myself extremely fortunate to name her my mother, friend, and song and dance partner.”

Frances Sternhagen, Actress Who Appeared In ‘Misery’ And ‘Sex And The City,’ Dead At 93

Sternhagen’s career as a stage and movie actress spans nearly seven decades. In addition to “Misery,” Sternhagen participated in several Stephen King adaptations, including the tense 2007 film “The Mist,” co-starring Thomas Jane.

Other significant film appearances by Sternhagen include “Outland,” “Raising Cain,” and “Julie & Julia.”

Her most lasting impact came from her television career, notably on “Sex and the City,” where she played Bunny MacDougal, Trey’s first husband’s entitled and overbearing mother. (“Sex and the City”) is an HBO original. Warner Bros. Discovery owns HBO and CNN.)

Frances received her third Primetime Emmy nomination for the role; she was previously nominated twice in the early 1990s for her portrayal as Cliff Clavin’s mother Esther on “Cheers.”

Frances was a well-known stage performer in addition to her work on screen.

According to a Broadway World profile, she began her performing career by teaching acting, singing, and dancing at the Milton Academy in Massachusetts.

In 1955, she made her Broadway debut as Miss T. Muse in the theatrical play “The Skin of Our Teeth.”

Throughout the 1970s, Sternhagen appeared in numerous award-winning plays, including Neil Simon’s “The Good Doctor,” “Equus,” “On Golden Pond,” and “Angel,” among others.

Other significant film appearances by Sternhagen include “Outland,” “Raising Cain,” and “Julie & Julia.”

She had seven Tony Award nominations, three wins, and a Drama Desk nomination for her performance in Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” in which she co-starred with her son Carlin.

“We were together last week, and we spoke Monday afternoon, saying how much we loved and missed one another,” Carlin stated on Instagram on Wednesday. “She always encouraged my writing, and enjoyed my singing.”

“Take off, Frannie. “The curtain falls on a life that has been richly, passionately, humbly, and generously lived,” he added.

Frances is an American actress known for her work in film, television, and stage productions. She has been nominated for multiple Tony Awards for her performances in various Broadway plays.

Frances has also appeared in popular television shows such as “Cheers” and “The Closer,” and has had notable roles in films like “The Mist” and “Outland.”

With a career spanning several decades, Sternhagen is recognized for her versatile acting abilities and her significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

SOURCE – (CNN)