'Greedy' KISS rocker worth $400m breaks silence on charging fans $12k to be his assistant
Proper news from Britain - News from Britain you won’t find anywhere else. Not the tosh the big media force-feed you every day!
KISS icon Gene Simmons has defended his decision to charge one lucky fan $12,495 to be his personal assistant for a day.
Simmons, 75, was roundly slammed for his 'greedy' antics after it emerged he was charging the hefty sum for the privilege of spending time with him.
He told the New York Post: '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?"'
'I decided, You know what, nobody's ever done it. Why not open the idea to be my personal roadie for the day?'
Simmons considers it an honor for the most dedicated fan in the KISS Army and thinks it is worth what it cost.
The more than $12,000 price tag will nicely pad the rocker's reported $400 million net worth.
Simmons is calling the package 'The Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience.
After forking over the check, the lucky fan will then be his 'Personal Assistant & Band Roadie' for a show date on his upcoming tour with his Gene Simmons Band.
Simmons — whom Cher wrote about in her new memoir, recalling that he told her he loved her after just one date when 'we hadn't even kissed' — is offering one fan per show the chance to tag along with him.
The Gene Simmons Band is made up of the rock star, who is known by his stage persona The Demon, joined by drummer Brian Tichy and guitarists Jason Walker and Brent Woods.
The fan package is listed on his band's official website: 'You will meet up with Gene and GS band members early in the day (either at his hotel or designated location) to go over the Band's Show day schedule.'
Simmons, who is widely believed to be the wealthiest member of KISS with a reported net worth of $400 million, is also offering additional meet-and-greet experiences for a minimum of $6.5K.
He is also offering a 'Gene Simmons Bass Experience,' in which a fan can pay $6,500 for a signed instrument and meet the rock star.
In the description of the fan package, the posting read: 'You will find that Gene Simmons is very down-to-earth, funny, and knowledgeable on almost any subject.'
For a bass guitar that he played on stage, the price doubles and will 'start at $12,500.'
The special fan selected to be his roadie will receive a crew member shirt, hat and VIP laminate for the personal assistant job, per the band's official website.
They will also have a meal with Simmons, help the band set up for the show and hang out backstage.
The special fan can bring along one guest and take photos throughout the entire experience.
Additionally, the fan will receive a signed set list and can also bring four additional items for Simmons to autograph.
Simmons will also invite his personal assistant for the day on the stage during the show and gift them a rehearsal-used, signed bass guitar.
Simmons has been touring with his band since he retired from KISS in 2023 after wrapping up their End of the Road World Tour.
As a co-founder of KISS, he played bass and co-led vocals from 1973 until their retirement two years ago.
The metal band was formed by Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss in addition to Simmons in New York City in the early 1970s.
During the band's half a century together, Simmons and Stanley also performed with now-former bandmates Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer for years.
.jpg)
