Rock Legend Gene Simmons Turns Napa Valley Wedding Into Heartwarming Anniversary Surprise

Quick Smiles:

• Gene Simmons surprised newlyweds by officiating their California ceremony
• The rocker celebrated his own 15th anniversary the same weekend
• Guests enjoyed 300 glowing drones lighting up the Napa Valley night sky

Iconic rocker Gene Simmons is full of surprises. On October 3, 2026, the KISS vocalist and bassist helped a dear family friend celebrate one of the biggest days of their life. Gene didn’t just attend the wedding of Tanner Cusumano and Maggie Steinmann Cusumano; he officiated it. He told People that he’s known Tanner for a very long time and felt honored to be a part of his wedding.

“It took about a second to decide,” Gene said.

When Tanner, 32, and Maggie, 27, asked Gene Simmons to be a part of their wedding, they had no idea how important the weekend was to Gene and his wife, Shannon Tweed-Simmons.

“What we didn’t realize when we asked was that our wedding fell on the weekend of his and Shannon’s anniversary. It made it even more meaningful that he’d spend it marrying us,” Tanner told People.

Shannon served as Gene’s date for the wedding, so the couple was able to celebrate 15 years married. Other attendees included family from California and Maggie’s relatives from Germany.

“The weather it was terrific. The wedding site was Napa Valley. A large international guest list, including the bride’s family from Germany. Amazing 300 drones overhead in the night sky lighting up the celebration with all kinds of visuals,” Gene Simmons recalled. “And yours truly, officiating and nervously holding the piece of paper that had loving words from the loving couple to each other.”

Tanner, who works as a documentary filmmaker, said that Gene left him with some valuable marriage advice.

“He joked that I’d better get very comfortable saying ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘You’re right,’” Tanner said. “But he also told us, seriously, that patience and kindness go a long way in a marriage.”

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