Gene Simmons is no stranger to bold ideas — but even for the legendary KISS bassist, this one stood out: Become his personal roadie for a day... for $12,500 (plus concert ticket). And yes, someone actually went for it — and says it was completely worth it.
That someone was Dwayne Rosado, a 52-year-old former corrections officer from New York, who shared the experience with his 13-year-old son, Zach. Speaking to The New York Times, Rosado described it as “one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”
Diagnosed recently with multiple sclerosis, Rosado didn’t hesitate.
“You only live once. I don’t want to die with money in my bank account — I want to die with memories. This was one of the best,” he said.
During the show, Simmons brought father and son on stage, sharing a heartfelt moment with the crowd:
“My father was never there for me,” Simmons told the audience. “Seeing a man raise his son with love and values... that moves me deeply.”
A private meet-and-greet and meal with Gene Simmons
Access to stage setup and behind-the-scenes action
A live introduction on stage
Participation during select parts of the show
A signed bass guitar to take home
Plus, one guest — in this case, Zach
“Tonight can’t be topped,” Rosado said. “It’s now part of KISStory. It’ll live forever on YouTube and in our hearts.”
Simmons has addressed the price point, explaining it reflects insurance and liability concerns.
“We live in a world full of lawsuits. You can’t bring ten people backstage anymore. So we do one fan per show — and it’s premium. That’s life,” he said candidly.
Gene Simmons’ solo tour has been postponed to early 2026, with no details on the reason — though it’s not health-related.
Meanwhile, KISS is returning to the stage for a special “unmasked” concert in Las Vegas, their first appearance since the 2023 farewell tour. The event will feature:
Former guitarist Bruce Kulick
Surprise guest appearances
Exclusive VIP fan experiences