Yayo Sanchez, also known as KISS Guy, gained widespread attention after his remarkable performance with the Foo Fighters during their concert in Austin, Texas, on April 18, 2018. Sanchez, donning Gene Simmons’ “The Demon” face paint, caught the attention of Dave Grohl, the frontman of Foo Fighters, by holding up a sign asking to play “Monkeywrench” with the band. This led to an unforgettable onstage performance, where even Grohl momentarily forgot the lyrics due to Sanchez’s impressive skills.
Sanchez’s journey in music started at a young age when his father introduced him to KISS and bought him his first guitar at the age of nine. His passion for rock and roll led him to attend the Rock’N’Roll Fantasy Camp in London at the age of 14, where he was described as a “teenage rock genius”. Before his iconic moment with the Foo Fighters, Sanchez had already played with renowned artists like Slash, Roger Daltry, Billy Gibbons, and Paul Stanley.
The moment Sanchez joined the Foo Fighters on stage was not pre-planned or a staged stunt. In fact, Sanchez had been practicing the song “Monkey Wrench” in the hope that he might get a chance to perform it. His decision to hold up the sign and his impromptu performance were a spur-of-the-moment decision, fueled by his passion and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After the performance, he received a warm response from the band and the audience, with Grohl acknowledging his talent and the crowd cheering for his skillful guitar play.
Sanchez’s appearance at the Foo Fighters concert was a defining moment in his music career. It showcased not only his talent but also his dedication to his craft. His love for music, evident from a young age, had led him to an unforgettable experience that resonated with both the audience and the band itself.