Gene Simmons defends charging fans $12k to be his roadie for a day
Kiss vocalist Gene Simmons has defended his decision to charge fans $12,000 to be his roadie and personal assistant for a day on his solo tour.
Earlier this month, Simmons’ website announced the opportunity, which cost $12,000, and for that money, the fan would be able to bring along one guest and experience life “on the GS Band Team Crew for the entire day.”
The pricey privilege grants access to meet Simmons at his hotel, share a meal with him, help the roadies load the set, be granted backstage access at the venue, and sit in on soundcheck before being brought out at some point by the rocker during that night’s show as well as receiving an autographed bass.
Last week, it was revealed that Simmons would no longer be going ahead with most of the dates of his solo tour which is now set to be postponed until 2026. However, while a chunk tour is no longer set to go ahead next month, Simmons remains a firm believer that the $12,000 package is an incredible experience for fans despite not including a ticket to the show.
The Kiss frontman told the New York Post: “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?”
Although Simmons has postponed most of his solo tour, Kiss confirmed earlier this week they are set to reunite in November despite retiring in 2023 following the conclusion of their farewell tour.
The iconic rock group have confirmed they will play an unmasked show in honour of the Kiss Army fan club’s 50th anniversary which is set to be celebrated in Las Vegas at Virgin Hotels from November 14th to November 16th.
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