Shinedown guitarist Zach Myers revealed his calculations about Gene Simmons’ stage-played bass sales during KISS’s final tour in a recent interview with 101 WRIF. The topic arose during a discussion of Simmons’ controversial $12,000 roadie experience offer.
“No I wouldn’t. But I respect the hustle so much,” Myers stated when asked about paying to roadie for Simmons. “I did the math the other day. On just the basses he sold on the final tour or whatever, just the basses and not KISS touring money which was probably millions and millions and not merch money which was millions and millions.”
“Just the basses sold alone, the stage played basses… I think he sells them between $13,000 and $8,000 and I just I averaged it in the middle so I did $10,000,” Myers explained. “And he does two a night. I think he made between 5 and 7 million dollars just selling basses. That is insane. So the fact that he’s like charged (for roadie experience) like dude I love it. Here’s the thing, why not? Everyone’s bashing him about it I’m like, ‘Dude do it.’ That guy was so nice to us when we toured with them the whole band all.”
Myers’ calculations offer insight into Simmons’ revenue streams. The actual pricing and sales structure of these iconic instruments reveals an even more impressive business model.
Premium Bass Pricing Strategy
Documentation from Gene Simmons’ official website shows the stage-played basses start at $12,500 per instrument. The prices fluctuate based on specific show dates and bass models. This pricing structure could push the total revenue beyond Myers’ estimated range.
These premium prices reflect both the instruments’ playability and their status as authentic stage-used collectibles from KISS’s final tour performances.
The Ultimate Fan Experience
People Magazine highlighted how the bass sales form part of a broader strategy. The ‘Ultimate Gene Simmons Experience’ package costs $12,495. This approach exemplifies Simmons’ method of monetizing fan engagement.
The business model has sparked industry-wide discussions about memorabilia value. Some critics question the high prices. Others, like Myers, praise the entrepreneurial approach.
Tour Revenue And Merchandise
Alternative Nation reported substantial revenue generation through multiple streams during KISS’s final tour. The tour combines income from ticket sales, merchandise, and special packages.
The bass sales represent one element of a sophisticated merchandising strategy. This approach has helped establish KISS’s farewell tour as a significant financial milestone in the band’s history.
