Rock legend Gene Simmons of KISS spent the day Sunday receiving all sorts of accolades from both the City of Niagara Falls and the Town of North Tonawanda. This was before his only US scheduled tour date was to take place at the Riviera there the following day. First, he did a press conference speaking about his partnership with Rock Steady Sodas with the local dignitaries at the Tops of the Falls Restaurant on Goat Island. Both Mayor Robert Restaino of Niagara Falls Mayor Austin Tylec of North Tonawanda spearhead the conference. Niagara Falls Schools Superintendent Mark Laurrie served as master of ceremonies. Simmons talked about his upbringing and got misty eyed doing it. He talked about his love of work ethic from his partners Paul & John Janik displayed when he first met them and wanted to became business partners with. They were also joined by Chris Haick to form Gene Simmons Money Bag Soda. Simmons quoted “The magic of America is instilled in its people, and I think we are losing that. We have to get that back he stated.” After the conference ended he posed for photos with some of the media. Our videographer Joe Carosi and myself were able to get a few quick snags with him. Simmons recognized me from past KISS events and asked me not to grab his ass while laughing. So as he purposely bent over in front of me to grab a cold Money bag Soda. I thought it would make a great photo op if I did, as you can see. It was all in good fun and Simmons played along with it!
The next stop took the icon to the steps of Niagara Falls City Hall where he was presented a key from each mayor to its respective city. The street in front of it was temporarily changed to Gene Simmons Boulevard. Simmons again, got choked up and talked about how great this distinction was and how it meant a lot to him receiving these honors. A woman interrupted the press conference to give Simmons a plaque she made of used bottle caps and stated that these caps go to help other causes. Simmons graciously accepted it.
The last stop on the tour de Gene was at the Tops International on Niagara Falls Blvd. where they presented the winners of the 1,000,000 Gene Simmons Money Bag Soda Plaque to the recipient. Wayne Altemoos of Olcott, NY and his father were greeted by the Demon in person and accepted the award. The award was given to random entries conducted by Tops.
It was nice to follow Gene around and see him be a man of the people. Stay tuned for a video of the press conference that will be posted within this link and the review of his show right here on BackstageAxxess.
We want to give thanks to photographer extraordinaire Dan Cappellazzo for taking the candid photos of the staff at BackstageAxxess.
We would like to thank Danielle DelMonte Rosso from DelRosso Communications for the media invite.
