KISS And EPIC RIGHTS Partner To Launch All-New Global Merchandise, Branding And Digital Media Program

Epic Rights, a full-service, global branding, merchandising and rights management company, announced today that it has entered into a multi-year merchandise, licensing, e-commerce and digital media agreement with legendary rock band KISS.

Epic Rights is joining forces with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons to build the KISS global franchise in a highly integrated manner through a combination of touring, music sales, merchandise, licensing, social media and promotional partnerships.

"Epic Rights Founder and CEO Dell Furano has worked with us for over 25 years, and he is the best in the business," said Stanley and Simmons in a joint statement. "We are confident that Dell and his Epic Rights team will lead us to the Promised Land."

"Paul and Gene are definitely the dream team, and it's very exciting to continue to work with them," added Furano. "The bottom line is that we are looking to grow the KISS brand and generate substantially increased revenue. Loyal KISS fans are now beginning to introduce their teens to the band, spawning an entire new generation of ardent KISS lovers."

Doc McGhee, KISS' longtime manager commented, "KISS is entering the most prolific period of their career with their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame; the release of Paul Stanley's autobiography by HarperCollins; the L.A. KISS Arena Football team's inaugural season; the Jon Varvatos 'Dressed To Kill' ad campaign; the rapidly growing Rock & Brews restaurant chain and the recently announced three-month summer tour with DEF LEPPARD."

KISS' attorney for more than two decades, William Randolph, commented, "KISS long ago evolved from a band to a brand, and Dell Furano is the right man at the right time to move KISS to new heights." Randolph added, "Paul's book, 'Face The Music', is not a typical autobiography. It is a page turner that will grab your attention and keep you up late at night."

In addition to CEO Dell Furano, long known as an innovative leader in the music and entertainment merchandising and licensing industry, Epic Rights' executive team is also comprised of President and COO Phil Cussen, a highly accomplished senior financial and operations executive with over 30 years of experience in the music industry; EVP of Brand Development Brad Auerbach, an expert in global rights acquisition and brand extension marketing.

In addition to full branding, marketing and licensing services, Epic Rights will provide full-service music merchandising, including concert merchandise, retail/licensing, VIP ticketing, fan experiences as well as managing music artists' official websites, online shops and social media.