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KISS frontman Gene Simmons is hitting back at critics after coming under fire for charging fans a jaw-dropping $12,495 (£9,667) to spend a day as his personal roadie. The offer, dubbed The Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience, was launched ahead of his now-postponed North American tour and includes exclusive backstage access, the chance to help set up equipment, and even the opportunity to sit in on soundcheck and hang out with the rock legend himself.
While many fans were stunned by the eye-watering price tag, Simmons has defended the cost, pointing to what he says are “astronomical” insurance premiums involved in allowing members of the public such intimate access to a live music operation.
Speaking to New Jersey radio station 95.9 The Rat, the KISS bassist explained the thinking behind the pricey VIP package. “Here’s the deal: when I was a kid and I went to see Jimi Hendrix or somebody, of course I enjoyed the show and really got off on it, we talked about it forever and stuff, but I didn’t know what it was like,” Simmons said, as reported by Blabbermouth. “What’s the beginning of the day like? What’s it like to sit and have breakfast or lunch with my favourite rock stars, and then get in the limo, go to the gig, set up the drums, do soundcheck and then be onstage…”
Simmons claims that this kind of immersive experience gives fans something that goes beyond the usual meet-and-greet, offering them a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the life of a rock star, complete with the grit of load-in, stage prep, and soundcheck routines.
Credit: instagram.com/genesimmons
Still, the sticker shock has led to a wave of criticism, with some accusing Simmons of cashing in on fan devotion. But the rock icon remains unapologetic, citing high operational costs and liability coverage as key factors behind the price. “If you’re inviting someone backstage and into your working environment, there’s a whole world of logistics and legalities that people just don’t see,” he argued.
Whether fans see it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or rock ‘n’ roll excess, The Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience is certainly making headlines. And with Simmons unapologetically standing by the price tag, it’s clear that behind-the-scenes access to a rock legend doesn’t come cheap.
