Gene Simmons surprised fans by offering something different, an expensive chance to join him behind the scenes on tour. Through his website, he invited fans to become his personal assistant and band roadie for a day.
The package wasn’t cheap, but it promised full access: helping set up the stage, watching soundcheck, hanging out backstage, joining him for a meal, and even being introduced onstage. Simmons, best known as the co-founder and bassist of the rock band KISS, launched this offer while touring with The Gene Simmons Band. While many saw the offer as extreme, two fans saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they took it.
Gene Simmons’ roadie, Dwayne Rosado, booked the experience for him and his son
For @nytimes, I hung out with @Kiss fan Dwayne Rosado and his son, Zach, who ponied up $12,495 to be @genesimmons‘s roadies for the day. It was a surprisingly touching experience. Plus, I got the word “schmeckle” into the Times for the first time since 1964. pic.twitter.com/7uPJ0X1kcM
— Mark Yarm (@markyarm) May 12, 2025
Dwayne Rosado, a retired corrections sergeant from New York, and his 13-year-old son Zach signed up for the package. He booked the experience as a birthday present for Zach. On May 5, they joined Simmons at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Dwayne was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about 18 months ago. For him, the day was a personal moment. He and his son got to assist with the load-in, go through a security briefing, meet the band, and watch the show from backstage. They also had takeout dinner with Simmons from a local Italian restaurant and got a signed bass guitar.
Gene Simmons defended the hefty price for the experience with him
Simmons spoke to the New York Post about the price, explaining it was all about supply and demand. He said nobody had done it before, and if people were willing to pay, it made sense to offer it. He compared it to choosing between a Rolls-Royce and a Volkswagen; both get you there, but the experience is different.
Dwayne didn’t mind the price. He said it was absolutely worth it and called the day unforgettable. He also pointed out that the memory is now part of KISS fan history, with videos and photos saved online. The Rosados said the briefings they received included rules on behavior backstage, and that meeting Simmons felt surreal.