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Legendary KISS bassist Gene Simmons is giving fans the chance to live out their dreams of rock stardom by letting them be his roadie for a day – but it comes with a hefty price tag.

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In 2024, Gene Simmons explained to Billboard that he was saving money on tour by traveling light. “There’s no managers, no private jets, no 20 tractor trailers, no 60-man crew, no huge shows,” he explained, revealing he makes more money now than as a member of KISS. “The local promoters provide the back line, and we just get up there and play,” he adds.

In fact, the whole production is a bit of a skeleton crew. Alongside Simmons, the crew also features drummer Brian Tichy, and guitarists Jason Walker and Brent Woods, with the latter also managing travel and concert production details. Only two others are on the road, including an assistant who helps with business duties and Simmons’ security, and one crew member for the musicians.

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Now, Simmons has launched a rather compelling way of saving money while expanding his crew, and it all involves allowing fans to pay for the privilege. 

As the Gene Simmons Band prepares to hit the road again in April, the eponymous rocker has launched a handful of Experiences which fans can purchase ahead of the upcoming dates. One of them is the Gene Simmons Bass Experience, which allows you (and three guests) the chance to meet Simmons after the stage. 

Alongside the ability to take photos and videos (and the potential to “find that Gene Simmons is very down-to-earth, funny, and knowledgeable on almost any subject”), purchases will also be able to take home one of Simmons’ bass guitars, which can be signed and personalized. In addition to the original ticket price, this experience costs $6,500 for a “non stage played” instrument, and $12,500 for an instrument that Simmons has previously played on stage.

The other of these experiences (dubbed ‘The Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience’) allows the purchaser to become “Simmons’ personal assistant & band roadie for the day.” 

Alongside a handful of merch benefits (a crew shirt and hat, a VIP laminate, and a signed setlist), it provides the opportunity to help with load-in at the venue, stage set-up, and the ability to sit in on sound check and hang out backstage. Meanwhile, photo opportunities are plentiful, Simmons will join the purchaser for a meal, and then will introduce the lucky roadie during the show.

This package costs a total of $12,495 (in addition to the original ticket price), and also includes a bass guitar that had been used by Simmons during a KISS rehearsal. Only one experience per concert is available, with 26 dates currently scheduled across North America between April and August.

Though some may balk at such a high price for the opportunity to work on Simmons’ tour, it’s far from the most unique offering that the musician and his bandmates have put on the market. Back in 2001, the Kiss Kasket was introduced, giving fans the chance to take their fandom into the afterlife. Though no longer for sale, the item was however used by a number of individuals, including Pantera and Damageplan members “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott and his brother Vinnie Paul Abbott.

“This is the ultimate KISS collectible,” Simmons said at the time. “I love livin’, but this makes the alternative look pretty damn good.”