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Fan who paid $12k to be Gene Simmons’ roadie says it was “absolutely” worth it
“I’m not going to die with a lot of money. I’m going to die happy,” says 52-year-old Dwayne Rosado.
Credit: Z-R-O-S via YouTube
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Gene Simmons’ “roadie for a day” package has raised plenty of eyebrows with its $12,495 price tag, but one Kiss fan says the experience was worth every penny, and then some.
Dwayne Rosado, a 52-year-old retired corrections sergeant, recently dropped the five-figure sum to spend 9 May backstage with Simmons at the latter’s solo concert in Red Bank, New Jersey. Despite online ridicule over the steep price tag, Rosado says the experience, which he shared with his 13-year-old son, Zach, was priceless.
“This is what I choose to spend my money on,” Rosado tells the New York Times. “I’m not going to die with a lot of money. I’m going to die happy.”
Dubbed the Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience, the package offered fans an all-access backstage pass and the rare chance to do all the grunt work – though Rosado reveals that his day was less hauling amps and more once-in-a-lifetime hang.
Rosado and his son sat down for a two-hour dinner with Simmons, where the rock star fielded questions ranging from his first sexual encounter to financial tips on forming LLCs.
And while actual roadie duties were minimal, the father-son duo did get to show off their musical skills at soundcheck and even filmed the band’s performance of Parasite from the stage. The crowd also sang Happy Birthday to Zach, and Simmons took a moment to introduce the pair, praising Rosado for raising his son to steer clear of drugs and alcohol.
After the show, the Rosados had a final private meeting with Simmons – a quiet end to a very loud day.
When asked if the experience justified the cost, Rosado didn’t miss a beat: “Absolutely. Nothing can beat tonight. It’s cemented in Kisstory now, because it’s going to be on YouTube and everything else. So I’ll get to look back and see that moment forever.”
For fans still hoping to catch Simmons live, there are two stops left on his May tour itinenary: 14 May in Northfield, Ohio, and 15 May in Niagara Falls.
Full ticket details can be found at his official website.