You may not have realized that the person you were standing next to at the grocery store over the weekend is one of the most well-known rock stars in the world! 

Gene Simmons stopped at one of the locations for Tops Friendly Markets in Niagara Falls, NY. Simmons is not a Western New York native, but he has done so much for our local community, from North Tonawanda to Niagara Falls and expanding outside of Buffalo to a nationwide scale. Over the weekend, however he was highlighting his partnership with MoneyBag Soda, a premium soda line launched over 5 years ago in cooperation with Niagara Falls-based soda line, Rock Steady Sodas Inc. 

Recently, Rock Steady Soda Inc. shipped its millionth bottle, and to celebrate hitting the milestone, the company decided to have a contest to reward those who drink the popular soda. 

And the winners of that contest was the Altemoos Family, according to WKBW.  Austin Altemoos and his father were at the Tops in Niagara Falls this weekend to receive the winning prize, which was an award that was signed by the rock legend Gene Simmons from KISS. 

However, the father and son did not expect to see Gene Simmons walking into that very Tops to hand deliver the plaque. 

But there he was! 

While Simmons was in town, he was given the key to the city of Niagara Falls and had a street named after him, Gene Simmons Blvd. 

Gene Simmons also shared a bit of life advice while he was here. 

“Life is short, enjoy it,” he said. “But always make sure people give you the respect you demand. You’re important, you need to be cared for.”

“When you come to Tops, that’s how they’ll make you feel,” Simmons said. 

Maybe we’ll see Gene again sometime soon!

2024 New York State Fair Country Concerts

Every country artist that's taking the stage at the New York State Fair, August 21-September 2

Gallery Credit: Getty Images/YouTube

2024 Country Concerts in Buffalo, New York

A lot of concerts coming in 2024! Here are all of the country concerts happening in Western New York.

Gallery Credit: Rob Banks

15 Concert Mistakes You Should Avoid At Darien Lake

Sometimes, we can all become one of these people, but it's important to remember that it can annoy others. Try to avoid turning into one of these 15 types of concert go-ers.

Gallery Credit: Kadie Daye, Getty Images

More From 93.7 WBLK