“I decided, ‘You know what, nobody’s ever done it!’”: Gene Simmons on his $12,495 “personal roadie” package
Gene Simmons recently made headlines when he announced he was offering a lucky fan the chance to be his roadie for the day – for a mere $12,495.
Now, the Kiss legend has detailed further what will be included in this package – dubbed the Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience – and why he’s decided to offer it to a fan.
READ MORE: “I was never fired from Kiss. I hate when I hear that”: Ace Frehley sets the record straight on his Kiss departures
In a new interview with the New York Post, Simmons explains: “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?’”
He goes on: “I decided, ‘You know what, nobody’s ever done it. Why not open the idea to be my personal roadie for the day?’ You meet at the hotel where you have breakfast together or, you know, whatever floats your boat.
“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.”
The package will mean a fan will join Simmons’ road crew for one date on his upcoming solo tour. It includes meeting up with Simmons and his band early in the day to go over the schedule, a meal with Simmons, and going on stage during the show. The fan will be on the crew for the entire day, helping with arrival and load-in, set up, sound check, and can bring one guest.
Also included in the price is a crew member shirt, hat, and laminate, a signed setlist, and the chance to bring up to four items to be signed by Simmons, as well as a Kiss rehearsal-used bass signed by The Demon himself. Ironically, in the small print, the site claims that “tickets to the show are not included” due to being sold through individual venues.
While the Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience is up for sale, the bassist recently postponed 17 dates on his upcoming solo tour.
In other news, despite Kiss performing their last-ever shows in 2023, the band recently announced an “unmasked” concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their fan club.
Tickets are not yet on sale, but you can sign up for more information via Vibee.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
