Cameron Adams | News.com.au
KISS rocker Gene Simmons is charging fans up to $1500 to hear him talk about himself.
The 63-year Simmons has added a speaking engagement in Melbourne during Kiss’ tour next month.
Tickets to hear Gene Simmons range from $1500 for platinum seats to $285 for gold seats and $108 for the cheap seats.The speaking tickets are more expensive than those to see Kiss perform live with support acts Motley Crue and Thin Lizzy.
Only one hundred of the $1500 tickets will be sold, which include a lunch package with Simmons in attendance for two hours, a photograph with Simmons and one item signed as long as it is not a guitar.
Cashed up Kiss fans also get a t-shirt which reads “I had lunch with Gene Simmons” for their $1500.
The speaking engagement takes place at Etihad Stadium on March 5 from 10.45am, requiring many fans to take the day off work.
Fans have already been stung for Kiss Australian concert tickets which include a $600 VIP dinner package, $250 for the “Monster zone” and $125 for the cheapest seats.
The band sold a $1500 VIP ticket which includes a personal meet and greet with Simmons and bandmate Paul Stanley, as well as priority seating at the concerts.
Simmons will only speak in Melbourne, Kiss’ most lucrative market in Australia, with diehard fans expected to fly in from interstate for the one-off event.
The band, who pioneered making millions from merchandise, have relaunched their brand of Kiss icypoles to coincide with their Australian tour.
Kiss beer is also available in Australian supermarkets and bottle shops.