Walmart Will Offer Kiss’ First New Music In 11 Years

Is anyone out there still a fan of Kiss? Well if you’re not, somebody’s mom or dad is bound to be. We ask because we’ve got some pretty huge news for Kiss fans. The band is releasing a new album!

Bloomberg.com reports that not only will there be an album titled, Sonic Boom, which holds 11 new tracks but it comes in a special set that only costs $12! It’s true kids… er folks.

Walmart Stores, Inc., the largest retailer out there – no matter how much you may not like it – will be offering the CD collection with the rock band’s first new music in 11 years and plans to license related merchandise through the group as well.

The set box includes the compact-disc, Sonic Boom, a greatest hits album, and a DVD of a live Kiss concert which took place in Buenos Aires. Starting October 6th, all US and Canada Walmart and Sam’s Club stores will be selling the new Kiss item.

Kiss is not the first to release their music through a retailer. Artists who similarly do so get much more money from a retailer than they would in a typcial contract. The retailers also win because they are pulling in more customers. Walmart has successfully tapped The Eagles, Journey and AC/DC for retail offers. Target got a hold of Pearl Jam and the Best Buy Co. somehow pulled Guns N’ Roses in.

Will this actually work out for the best though? Greg Hall, Walmart’s vice president of media and services, states:

“I’ve been impressed with the way the Kiss brand has been able to reinvent itself over the years. I’d say the Walmart mom loves Kiss and looks fondly back on that as one of the first concerts she went to.”

As you see, we’re not the only ones to consider the target audience in this situation. Kiss was one of the biggest rock bands, but they won’t pull in a crowd of teeny boppers-who-will-do-anything like Taylor Swift does.

Walmart intends to sell other merchandise with the collection, whether it be toys, apparel, or candy.

What do you think of Kiss’ decision? Will this CD collection be a hit?