A fan who paid over $12,000 to be Gene Simmons‘ “roadie” for a day has spoken concerning the expertise, saying it was “completely price it”.
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KISS bassist Gene Simmons made headlines earlier this yr when he introduced that he can be providing a fan the prospect to be his roadie for a day on the steep value of $12,500 on prime of the unique ticket value.
For the expertise, Simmons would be part of the fan turned-roadie for a meal, assist arrange for the gig and introduce them through the present and perhaps even sing with the musician. The fan – who’s allowed to deliver a buddy alongside – can even obtain an autographed bass guitar from Simmons himself.
Now, a 52-year-old retired corrections sergeant from New York named Dwayne Rosado has shared about his expertise serving as Simmons’ roadie. For the expertise, Rosado and his 13-year-old son Zach have been shadowed by The New York Instances to chronicle the method.
Chatting with The New York Instances, Rosado mentioned the eye-watering quantity was “completely” price it, revealing that he had not too long ago been identified with a number of sclerosis: “You solely reside as soon as, and I need to expertise life. I’m not going to die with some huge cash. I’m going to die completely satisfied.”
Throughout the reside present, Simmons invited Dwayne and Zach onto stage, introducing them: “My father wasn’t there after I was rising up, so I’ll let you know, it means the world to me to see father who stays together with his household and makes certain his children are raised proper.”
Afterwards, Dwayne recounted to The New York Instances: “Nothing can beat tonight. It’s cemented in Kisstory now, as a result of it’s going to be on YouTube and all the pieces else. So I’ll get to look again and see that second eternally.”
Previous to the Rosados’ expertise, Simmons defined that the hefty price ticket for the once-in-a-lifetime expertise was because of the “astronomical” insurance coverage prices to make sure all the pieces goes easily: “We solely do one roadie for a day per present. And I’ll let you know why — as a result of these days all the pieces is so litigious. … Which means all people sues all people for no cause. So when you get a paper reduce, someone will get sued. And that’s simply the best way life is right here in America — way more in California, by the best way.
“It’s loopy out right here. So, I can’t even, if I wished to, deliver out or do roadie for a day with 10, 20, 30, as many individuals [as we would like]. So we do one, as a result of the insurance coverage prices for which can be astronomical. And so this ain’t low-cost. It’s not for everyone. And for that one particular person, you do need to pay premium numbers. That’s simply life.”
Simmons’ North American tour – which was set to kick off final month – has been postponed to “early 2026”. Whereas a trigger for the postponement was not revealed, it was confirmed that it was not because of well being points.
Because the postponement of his solo tour, KISS have introduced plans for an “unmasked” present in Las Vegas later this yr. It should mark the band’s first efficiency since their 2023 farewell tour.
In response to an e mail despatched out to followers, the live performance additionally guarantees “a particular reside efficiency from former KISS member Bruce Kulick, together with different particular visitors, actions, unique experiences and extra.”
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