Father Who Spent $12K to Be Gene Simmons’ Roadie For A Day: “You Only Live Once”
Remember when Gene Simmons announced his one-of-a-kind gig experience. You know, the one that was going to cost a fan $12,500 to be his roadie for the day… Because everyone has a spare $12k knocking about right?
Well, pretty quickly after it was announced fans far and wide opened up about how it was a complete and utter rip-off. Following that, the Kiss bassist and co-lead singer came out in late March with a statement justifying the amount, stating that it was due to “astronomical” insurance costs.
Despite the complaints, one “Roadie For a Day” ticket holder named Dwayne Rosado, a 52-year-old retired corrections sergeant from Middletown, New York, hit the road to serve Gene Simmons at his show at Count Basie Centre for the Arts in Red Bank, New Jersey.
As promised, Rosado and his 13 year-old-son Zach spent the day with Simmons. During that time, he ultimately served as a glorified personal assistant. They shared a meal together, he got to help with the load-in, hang out during the soundcheck, and was later brought out on stage with his son.
Speaking about this experience, Rosado expressed enthusiasm about the whole thing, despite having paid so much for that experience and still having to purchase a ticket to attend the show…
“You only live once, and I want to experience life. I’m not going to die with a lot of money. I’m going to die happy.”
Rosado was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, so it makes sense that he’d be down to experience life to his absolute fullest. During the show, Simmons brought out Rosado and his son, who, once he got a glimpse of the stage life, said that Rosado was “the best dad ever.”
Simmons followed up with a heartfelt response:
“My father wasn’t there when I was growing up, so I’ll tell you, it means the world to me to see a good father who stays with his family and makes sure his kids are raised right.”
All in all, Rosado was over the moon with this experience.
All in all, this individual story ends up sounding pretty heartfelt… until you remember it all had to have cost easily more than $13,000 when you add up the experience, the ticket, and various fees…
The Gene Simmons Band are currently touring in Anaheim, California, until May 24 in Houston. You can find the remaining dates below.
See The Gene Simmons Band Live:
05/14 Northfield, OH @ MGM
05/15 Niagara Falls, ON @ Fallsview Casino
05/17 Hammond, IN @ The Horseshoe
05/18 Rockford, IL @ Hard Rock
05/20 Nashville, IN @ Brown County Music Center
05/22 Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
05/23 San Antonio, TX @ Tobin Center
05/24 Houston, TX @ House of Blues
