A real rock star: Members of KISS helped make the day of one Oklahoma man

Nathan Poppe | News OK

Malcom Wynn hangs out with his heroes all the time.

He’s been collecting them in the form of KISS action figures and memorabilia his whole life. The eccentric, painted rockers, who formed in New York back in 1973, are easily his favorite band. Classic rock is his jam.

When Malcom’s birthday rolls in, you can’t go wrong with anything featuring the KISS logo. On Thursday evening, he met the life-sized versions of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer at the grand opening of Oklahoma City’s Rock and Brews, 2737 W Memorial Road.

This was a big deal for Malcom, and he ended up being the rock star of the evening.

Malcom, 57, is mentally challenged and has been for most of his life. He was born healthy but a case of red measles at 18 months changed everything. A fever caused irreversible brain damage, but that never diminished Malcom’s love for rock ‘n’ roll. Just ask his younger brother and The Oklahoman’s Vice President of Circulation Eric Wynn.

When Eric, 53, took his brother to Michael Murphy’s Dueling Pianos bar recently, Malcom loved it. He started drumming on the table and even twirled an air drum stick in his fingers. For a man who’s never been to an arena rock concert, he sure knows the moves.

“When he hears rock music, I can’t be held responsible,” Eric said in an interview. “He’s liable to bust a move on us. He loves to dance.”

Malcom has been living with his brother since Thanksgiving 2014, after both their parents passed away. That’s a great gift, and they’re family after all. But taking his brother to meet KISS? That’s a rare opportunity.

In the upstairs of Rock & Brews, Malcom and Eric sat with four members of KISS and talked for about 15 minutes. Malcom was ecstatic. Eric helped his brother share his thoughts with the band and also explained to KISS how the action figures, best-selling albums and theatrics stuck with Malcom.

“Growing up, you guys were it,” Eric said.

He paused after getting choked up.

“You guys became very real for him,” Eric continued.

Stanley made the evening even more real when he surprised Malcom and offered him a signed electric guitar.

Stanley asked Malcom if he had a place to keep the memento.

“I’m gonna put it in my bedroom,” Malcom replied. “Thank you.”

As the conversation ended and the band surrounded the Wynn brothers for a farewell photo, one topic rang true from the discussion.

“How awesome you have a brother like that,” Stanley said to the table.

“I’m very lucky,” Malcom said.

 

Comments are closed.