Dwayne Rosado and his son Zach dropped jaws (and wallets) for a once-in-a-lifetime shot to be Gene Simmons' roadies, as detailed by the New York Times. The retired corrections sergeant, 52, and his 13-year-old son shelled out $12,495 for "The Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience" on May 5 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts.
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For them, every penny was worth it, cementing a memory in rock 'n' roll history.
A Priceless Birthday Gift
Dwayne, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 18 months ago, bought the experience as a birthday gift for Zach, a fellow KISS fan. However, the New York Times reported it was also a treat for himself.
"You only live once, and I want to experience life," Dwayne told the outlet. "I'm not going to die with a lot of money. I'm going to die happy."
The day kicked off with Italian takeout alongside Simmons, 75, the legendary KISS bassist. Over dinner, Simmons shared wild tales, including losing his virginity at 13 or 14 to a married woman on his paper route, per the Times.
Additionally, they discussed the hefty price tag. The KISS legend defended it, saying, "There's free market, supply and demand. People want to do it, you do it."
Backstage and Onstage Thrills
Before the show, the Rosados attended a security briefing emphasizing etiquette. Then, they dove into the action, helping with load-in, watching soundcheck, and soaking up backstage vibes. During the concert, they joined Simmons onstage, a moment Dwayne called surreal.
"All I wanted to do is hug him," he recalled, ignoring the roaring crowd. Afterward, they hung out in Simmons' dressing room, sealing the day's magic.
Dwayne dubbed the experience "absolutely" worth $12,495. "Nothing can beat tonight," he said. "It's cemented in Kisstory now, on YouTube and everything else. I'll look back and see that moment forever."
Simmons' Bold VIP Offer
In March, Simmons unveiled "The Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience" on his website, inviting fans to be his "personal assistant and band roadie" for a day. For $12,495, participants assist with stage setup, dine with Simmons, get a signed bass, and receive an onstage shoutout. Despite critics slamming the price, Simmons stood firm. "Nobody's ever done it," he told the New York Post. "Why not?"
The Rosados' day proves the experience delivers. As Dwayne battles multiple sclerosis, his rockstar adventure with Zach shines as a testament to living life to the fullest, with a KISS-sized dose of swagger.
