Epic Rights—the full service, global branding and merchandising company representing the merchandising, licensing, e-commerce and digital media interests of legendary rock band KISS—has knocked it out of the park with another big partnership scoring an all-new KISS apparel program with Major League Baseball (MLB) and apparel licensee Liquid Blue, a licensee of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. The announcement was made by Lisa Streff, Senior Vice President, Licensing, Epic Rights.
The new collection of all-American t-shirts—Play Ball with KISS—will combine the rock fashion sense of KISS with the instantly recognizable logos representing the New York Yankees and New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Under the Play Ball with KISS collection, Liquid Blue is launching a themed line, Dressed to Kill, and preparing a second themed apparel line called Locker Plate, inspired by the KISS song "Detroit Rock City," which will be introduced later in the year.
"We are die-hard Major League Baseball fans, and it's a thrill for KISS to be featured as MLB players from some of our favorite teams in this spectacular graphic artwork," KISS's Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons jointly state. "We are ready to 'play ball,' with KISS and MLB fans."
"This is a major cross-promotion combining Rock 'N' Roll and baseball—two all-time American favorites—that will be a home run with sports and other specialty retailers," explains Streff. "Play Ball with KISS t-shirts from Liquid Blue deliver an edgy and authentic graphic interpretation of these iconic rock band members dressed as MLB team players."
"The initial response has been great at retail for the launch of the new line," added Paul Roidoulis, President, Liquid Blue. "The shirts proclaim a Major League Baseball fan's support for their team, with a ton of rock 'n' roll attitude thrown in."
Distributed through MLB team stores, stadium gift shops and sports retailers, the new apparel line is also available to fans through online retailers, and coming soon to mass market and mid-tier department stores.
The KISS 40th Anniversary Tour is currently playing across the U.S., culminating with nine nights at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas this November. Earlier this year, KISS was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; launched their inaugural LA KISS Arena Football League Season bringing professional football back to Los Angeles; star in 4th and Loud, a new primetime docu-series from AMC, which follows the team's season launch; and featured in major advertising and marketing campaigns for John Varvatos, Rock & Brews and Google Play.
