Rock city fest fundraiser held for KISS superfan

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) —  Level Up hosted a Rock City Fest Fundraiser to raise funds for autism awareness and fellow musician, Daniel Sneed.

Daniel is a KISS tribute performer.

“I’m dressed up like the Space Man and the lead guitarist Ace Frehley. Ace Frehley is definitely my influence. I’ve been into music ever since I was a little kid,” Daniel Sneed said.

Daniel has autism and was nonverbal until he was five years old.

At age 20, it’s his dream to see KISS live in concert for their farewell tour. 

“I support anything he’s ever wanted to do. We both love music and he just got to loving KISS … He bought his own stuff, and I’m just really proud of him. He’s taught himself to play guitar, and I’m so thankful. We’re blessed and we’re blessed to have such wonderful people to support him,” mother Beth Staten said.

Daniel took up guitar a few years back and has found a talent and love for music.

“It’s really humbling to me, and it makes me really excited. Because I taught him how to play. Years ago I gave him lessons. I taught him how to teach himself how to learn a songs, and it’s just really nice to see somebody that I taught now on stage,” Krijistan Jurisic (“Shredder” with the band “Sylyns”) said.

His family and friends hope to make his dream come true of seeing KISS live in concert.

Sylyns, Rustic Reign, Wicked Weird, and Dayz of Deception played tonight in support of Daniel.

Daniel closed out the night by playing some of his favorite KISS songs.

There is a GoFundMe arranged for him to raise funds for the concert. 

Family and friends are hoping to make his dream come true with community help.