US EditionFan who paid $12,500 to be Gene Simmons’ roadie for a day says it was “absolutely” worth it: "I'm going to die happy"
- Retired corrections sergeant Dwayne Rosado spent $12,495 to participate in an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with Gene Simmons during the musician’s solo tour stop on May 5, 2025, in Red Bank, New Jersey.
- In March 2025, Gene Simmons introduced a high-priced fan experience during his solo tour that included extensive behind-the-scenes access and the opportunity to serve as his roadie for a day, though participation was limited to one individual per show due to prohibitively expensive insurance fees.
- Rosado, aged 52 and recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, attended with his 13-year-old son Zach and participated in a soundcheck, meal, backstage time, and was introduced onstage by Simmons.
- Rosado shared with The New York Times that he aims to fully embrace life and feels the experience was truly valuable, while Simmons commended Rosado’s dedication as a father during the event.
- Though some branded the $12,495 price as excessive or a "huge rip-off," Simmons defended the fee citing a free market and insurance demands, with Rosado stating he had no regrets and is "going to die happy.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Fan who paid $12,500 to be Gene Simmons’ roadie for a day says it was “absolutely” worth it: "I'm going to die happy"
A fan who paid over $12,000 to be Gene Simmons‘ “roadie” for a day has spoken about the experience, saying it was “absolutely worth it”. READ MORE: Tunde Adebimpe: “I feel lucky to have this mechanism to turn grief into something” KISS bassist Gene Simmons made headlines earlier this year when he announced that he would be offering a fan the chance to be his roadie for a day at the steep price of $12,500 on top of the original ticket price. For…
KISS fan who paid over $12,000 to be Gene Simmons' roadie says it was ‘absolutely’ worth it
Disney/Eric McCandless Back in March, KISS‘ Gene Simmons offered fans the chance to be his roadie for the day — for $12,495. Although some folks thought that price was a bit outrageous, the guy who shelled out the money has no regrets. “This is what I chose to spend my money on,” retired corrections officer Dwayne Rosado, who purchased the package, tells The New York Times. Rosado got to be Simmons’ roadie for a May show at the Count Basie Cente…
Man who paid $12,000 to be Gene Simmons's roadie says he's 'going to die happy'
A man who paid a hefty pricetag to hang out with Gene Simmons has no regrets (Picture: Elsie Roymans/Getty Images) One KISS fan has no regrets after paying Gene Simmons for the chance to act as his roadie for the day – at the cost of a cool $12,495 (£9,678). The I Was Made For Lovin’ You hitmaker came under fire recently for the bizarre scheme, but it seems some are happily paying the price for the rock-and-roll experience. ‘This is what I choos…
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