If you're in the National Guard or Reserve, Gene Simmons wants you to turn his amp up to 11.
Rock legends Kiss are gearing up to launch their "Freedom to Rock" U.S. tour. Appropriately for the pyrotechnics-fueled hard rockers, the tour kicks off July 4 in Tucson, Arizona. It ends in Huntington, West Virginia, on Sept. 10.
At each of the more than 30 stops along the way, the band is looking to hire one military part-timer as a "roadie for a day." The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes program is coordinating the effort.
"Some of the details are still being worked out, but we'll be working with local military organizations to determine who that will be for each leg of the tour," Hiring Our Heroes communications manager Brooke Prouty told Military Times.
And just to be clear, this is a paying gig. "They will actually be hired for the day and work as a roadie," Prouty said.
Musicians Gene Simmons, left, and Tommy Thayer of Kiss perform onstage during the 23rd Annual Race To Erase MS Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 15, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California.
Photo Credit: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images
Meanwhile, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers will be giving away a limited number of free and discounted tickets to currently serving troops and veterans through the Veteran Tickets Foundation, better known as Vet Tix.
In addition to the Vet Tix offerings, military discounts will also be available at venue box offices with a valid military ID in select markets around the country.
This summer's "Freedom to Rock" tour celebrates "the same freedom that's been upheld by our veterans and active-duty service members," Kiss co-founder Paul Stanley said in statement.
"We are proud to partner with HOH and Vet Tix to highlight the incredible commitment and sacrifices of hometown heroes serving in the National Guard and Reserve forces," added Kiss frontman and co-founder Gene Simmons. "Many of these heroes have given a lot — and some have given all — and we will honor them in every town we tour."
Jon R. Anderson covers all that's fun, fascinating, and formidable about military life, from off-duty travel and entertainment to family and fitness. He can be reached at jona@militarytimes.com.
