Gene Simmons, the legendary bassist and co-lead singer of KISS, has cooked up a fan experience that’s got everyone talking—and not all in a good way.
So, here’s the deal: For the modest sum of $12,495, you can spend a day as Gene Simmons’ personal assistant and roadie. Yes, you heard that right. For the price of a decent used car, you get to schlep gear, set up amplifiers, and maybe, just maybe, share a meal with the Demon himself. According to Simmons, this “Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience” is about giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the rock star life.
Speaking to the New York Post, Simmons explained why he decided to create the program:
“When I was a kid and went to see shows, I was always curious, ‘What’s it like when they’re in a hotel? What’s it like when the stage is set up? What’s it like being onstage when they’re performing and seeing the audience from the stage?’ I decided, ‘You know what, nobody’s ever done it. Why not open the idea to be my personal roadie for the day?'”
He further said that lucky fans would be graced with the opportunity of traveling in his bus and lugging his gear. After a hard day’s work, you’ll be right offstage during the performance, and Gene will even pull you onstage to sing a song with him. Imagine the thrill of belting out a tune alongside a rock legend, with thousands of fans watching. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—if you can afford it. Simmons said:
“You ride with me to the gig. You can set up amplifiers and drums to your heart’s content. You’re onstage, right offstage to my right. You can video the crowds, whatever. And I pull you onstage to sing a song with me.”
Of course, if this made you think his roadies would be treated as servants, Simmons has a counterpoint – participants will be able to eat:
“You meet at the hotel where you have breakfast together or, you know, whatever floats your boat.”
Now, as you might expect, reactions to this extravagant offer have been mixed. Some die-hard fans see it as a unique opportunity to connect with their idol. Others view it as a blatant cash grab. After all, paying to do the work of a roadie seems a bit… unconventional. But hey, in the world of rock ‘n’ roll, is anything really conventional?
Simmons, ever the businessman, defends the hefty price tag by emphasizing the exclusivity and uniqueness of the experience. He argues that for true fans, the chance to spend a day in the life of a rock star is priceless. And let’s be honest, Gene has never been shy about monetizing the KISS brand. From lunchboxes to caskets, if there’s a way to slap a price tag on it, Simmons has probably thought of it.
