The idea that it was a built-in fuzz is much less likely. - Bass Certificate of authenticity signed by Gene Simmons. It's incredible to look at these pics and see the extent of the damage that year-round touring and Gene's costumes (most of it probably from his ever-. Perhaps the black blade wasn't quite "axe-like" enough because it was summarily refinished a matte silver by 79.06.20 when the promo videos were shot in Savannah. The rockstar replied Ice Cube should get in touch when Jimi Hendrix gets into the hip hop hall of fame.. Find out more about how we test. Since neither of the Gibson basses worked out, even though Gene certainly tried to honor the endorsement for the better part of 1975, I think it's safe to assume that long-scale basses (only the EB-0 and the Triumph were short scale) weren't to Gene's liking at the time. Though he is known for his woodsman-inspired Axe guitar, he told me it . Page 108 of KISS Alive Forever has a nice shot of Spector #1 at the Palladium show. The Axe is one of the most recognisable and distinctive signature instruments ever, but you wont get Simmons wasting time worrying about the enduring legacy of his favourite bass. Designed to meet the musical needs of modern bassists, it features the classic Reverse Thunderbird body and headstock shape. There was little change as the band headed into 1974 and started on what would turn out to be a lifetime of heavy touring. LoBue custom LP Triumph Gibson EB-0. Love him or hate him, Gene Simmons has probably become one of the most high-profile ambassadors of electric bass since Kiss released its self-titled debut album in 1974. Instead, roadies would allegedly hand Gene a cup of theater blood at some point in the performance. Whether or not the change to the new bridge occured earlier than Cobo Hall 76.01.25 is anybody's guess. In the video clip from In Concert below (shot on 74.02.21) we see the original incarnation of the LoBue in all its glory. Still, it was captured on film, meaning Gene wont forget the moment anytime soon. [*] Much later Gene would remember it a little differently: "So he made me a one of a kind natural wood custom made bass, no name, no nothing." Although it was supposed to be a simple shopping spree, its said the couple ended up falling head over heels in love with one another, destroying Chers relationship with Gene and her friendship with Diana. It has a 30" scale which matches that of the LoBue. Talking with legendary rock 'n' roll musician, Gene Simmons, one thing becomes clear pretty quickhe likes a good thrill. [*] The Axe presented here has quite a different design than the one that would end up being used but according to the photos it actually made it on tour with the band, seen here in Knoxville on 79.09.12 next to Spector #2. . Now, Kiss is linked to an incredible number of product categories 3,000 to be precise. All rights reserved. To highlight a detail that entered the story a little earlier when the Fender bridge was installed I've chosen these particular pics. What happens when you want to put on one of the best stage shows the world has ever seen? Spector #1 Spector #2 Valdez Axe Carr Axe. However, some. At the time Spector only had two model bass guitars, the SB-1 and the SB-2. M&G Pkg $4450. 1996 Guitars that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive. Wherever the LoBue eventually ended up it is one of the great lost treasures of KISStory, one that deserves enshrinment. The result? But for the Fridays TV appearance in January 1982 Spector #2 was back. During the time they were selling in Spencer's, various companies manufactured the . So I kept moving the pickups around and adding a boost on the back, just to make sure that the bass had the sound I wanted., Simmons notes a distinction between bass designs that work well in the studio compared to on stage, Sometimes in the studio, because of the different acoustics and dynamics, I would use basses that I have never used on stage, because live, they dont sound good. Talking about rap and hip-hop was enough to get plenty of people talking about Gene Simmons and his ever-changing music views. Being a well-known name in the world of music means that Gene Simmons has plenty of opinions when it comes to other musicians and genres. Before that he had an old rickety Epiphone which was stolen, bought a Fender P for $150, sold that P for $300, took that cash and had Charlie build his . Simmons estimates hes sold about 10,000 instruments over the past 10 years. Though the marriage only lasted for a few years, Gene Simmons her only son was born in . However, Gene Simmons had his own views on it all and they werent very popular. Gene Simmons inspects the folder with the documents about his mother's persecution. Although he's spent the last 50 years Pictures showing the back of the LoBue are very few but over the course of 1976 there were a few. See the evolution of Gene's Bass technique!! Jan 11, 2009. so I read an article years ago where it talked about gene simmons' live rig, but i couldn't find any info anywhere and the magazine is long gone, so I spoke with his tech Spike and he said basically this is it: 1 SVT-2 Pro. Last years news that he was launching his own G2 brand pronounced G squared through the American giants nevertheless came as a surprise, the new collaboration pledging to release a whole range of guitars and basses built with the Demons personal seal of approval. Sadly, the truth isnt quite so exciting as Gene apparently discovered he had an impressively long tongue when he was 13 years old and realized it was a hit with the ladies. The move to Gibsons during 1975 was purely financial. Rock fans everywhere might disagree as Gene Simmons believes its time to give up on the genre. The jury is out on that one. the #2 Spector got the nod. Roland 555 space/echo (for solo) controlled by manipulating the intensity and . It turns out Gene accidentally rubbed host Terry Gross up the wrong way during an interview with the star. "I saw a bass he had built hanging on the wall and decided right then that I wanted it. Gene had another story in 1996: "A couple of years later I lent it to Micki Free, whose band Smokehouse opened for us once, and never saw it again." In 1987 Gene turns up with what looks like a slightly altered version of the Jackson. Like the best signature models, this is an instrument that ultimately inspires you to sound and play like the musician behind it, while also being capable of a lot more, from Motown to country, and with the right kind of EQ scoop and compression, even slapped funk even if its not aimed at such musicians. One of the many things that fans often cant wait to see is Gene Simmons performing his famous blood-spitting routine. Although he managed to get it back up and running, the group quickly took Gene down again to try and take away his voice on the matter. The prior owner believed this to be a late '90s, and when comparing with other listings on Reverb that appears to hold true. However, that isnt the case. The problems with the bridge above promted another change. It seems its something Genes kept up ever since. The friend in question? "So first, it's a through . In the case of Kramer, Jackson and Cort, as soon as quality started to dip, a new builder would be found. But in the three pictures below I'm having a. Pink AXE Guitar. The photo shoot at Stuart Air Force base during the rehearsals on 77.11.09 and shots from opening night in Oklahoma City on 77.11.15 show the original silver knobs but by the time the band hits St. Louis on 77.12.02 the new knobs are in place. Why you can trust Guitar World So what is the Axe Bass, then? There are no actual live shots of the bass and after the promo videos it just disappears never to be seen again. Fans of the band get to enjoy an entire performance thats been carefully choreographed to be an experience like none other in the world. It seems thats what some people think, especially when looking at old footage of The Demon of Kiss. All of the basses are built at a shop in South Korea [although there are some specialty one-off builds done in the USA by master builder, Jim Cara]. Long believed to be a prototype for a possible Gibson Gene Simmons signature guitar, this bass is actually a heavily modified 60's Gibson EB-0. Gene and his bass finally did part ways, though by all accounts he was reluctant to give it up. The very obvious absence of an Axe during 1990-95, with the possible exception below, might suggest that Gene was in fact trying out various prototypes in preparation of going into the Axe business for himself. Perhaps most importantly of all, its a bass thats tailor-made for conjuring this larger-than-life characters earth-conquering tones. Gene Simmons is a true rock god, even though he plays "The Demon" in KISS, the band he co-founded in the early 1970s that still rocks out to sold-out crowds. The contrast between the ebony nitrocellulose lacquer finish against the mirrorplex pickguard and truss-rod cover is eye-catching, treading thefine line between modern edge and classic finesse. This mk I version shows the "standard" SB-1 controls with one volume and one tone knob (both in silver) and a front output jack (missing is the mini-switch which was standard on the SB-1). Reports have varied throughout the years, but Gene is confident that hes been with thousands of partners. No matter the angle or lighting, up until now the white binding has been clearly visible at all times. Cort GS Ax Punisher 2 Bass - One of Gene Simmons' two basses is a Cort GS Ax Punisher. What we can say for sure is that it is black with a new pickguard by 75.11.07 and then emerges backstage in Toledo on 75.11.12 sporting a P-bass pickup. Gene Simmons and his son, Nick, have been spotted at a handful of events together over the years. In 1977 the most common location of this mini switch was more or less right below the volume knob (with the bass seen in the playing position), and certain pics show what appear to be a piece of tape (or in some cases a dab of paint) covering up something. With so little video evidence from this part of the tour it's hard to say whether these are two different pickups or just the trick of light and angles but considering the next (and later) developments I'm going to put my money on the light/angles hypothesis. on August 28, 2019. 2023 Guitar.com is part of NME Networks. There was once a time that Gene Simmons appeared to be on Fox News at every waking moment. So the three mentioned is probably two #1's and one #2 (more of which later). This is the story behind the iconic Axe Bass which has been wielded by Gene Simmons for decades. Once you do, the ceramic magnets in the Rhythm and Lead T-Bird humbuckers pack a powerful and immediate response, with no shortage of punch and depth, making for a bass that sounds, much like the American groups landmark 1975 release, truly alive. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month*, US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year, UK pricing 2.99 per month or 29.00 per year, Europe pricing 3.49 per month or 34.00 per year, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. Gene Simmons (born Chaim Witz; Hebrew: , [aim vits]; born August 25, 1949) is an Israeli-American musician.Also known by his stage persona the Demon, he is the bassist and co-lead singer of Kiss, the hard rock band he co-founded with Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss in the early 1970s. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. I heard there's a special package including one of your Axe or Punisher basses. Watch on. This phenomenon can also be spotted at the start of the Return of KISS tour. Apparently, Gene thinks there are some similarities between the two as rockstars and teachers both have an audience; its just that one might have to perform to people who dont want to be there. The line-up shot from Knoxville with the slim lower horn has led me to believe that this is a re-finish rather than the re-appearance of the all-black from the Alive II tour. Radio stations Power 97 and Timple M both announced they were pulling all Kiss songs from their lineup as neither agreed with Genes controversial comments. The bassist will bring back the Gene Simmons' Axe MasterClass for fans . For the past eight years, Thayer has been touring exclusively with a pair of his signature 100-watt Hughes & Kettner DuoTone heads (Thayer . It turns out that none of the record labels Sophie contacted actually wanted to work with the star, meaning her plan worked and worked against her. Before that, the beautiful acoustic instrument had . The first part of the Dynasty tour shows the Spector #1 mk III hanging in there. If one is to believe the quote from Gene above it may just be locked away in storage since it didn't surface for the auction. New rock and roll stars lurked around every corner, and it seemed that plenty of people couldnt wait to head to the latest party on the block. The clip is an outtake from the 2012 documentary Sample This. Gear 2021: Ending a big week for Gibson that began with the acquisition of Mesa/Boogie, the company has now announced a new partnership with Kiss icon Gene Simmons. The first change (mk II) is to simple clear lucite knobs with 1-10 numbers on them. Things got off to a bad start when Gene started telling inappropriate jokes and only got worse when he began hitting people with copies of his new book. by Jacob Uitti 2 years ago. It's been suggested that the incredible disappearing binding was masking tape that Gene himself applied during the hours of tedium on the tour bus. What I will call mkII actually makes it's documented debut in Detroit 74.12.20. So much so that Gibson put out a demo vinyl record showcasing the various tones the system was capable of. Though he speaks measuredly . Unlike the EMG PJ set typically found in Simmons Punisher and Axe, however, these high-output humbuckers arent active, so theres no need to worry about battery power. There is only one man that gave us the licks that inspired us to "Rock and Roll All Nite," - Gene Simmons, the legendary rock icon and bassist from KISS. Gene Simmons's new haircut. None of the known LoBue basses had a bridge like this so it was probably not LoBue's work. The Jackson Axe is mercifully kept in this near-original condition for at least the two following tours; there are no noticeable alterations. The two entities have teamed up for G, which will offer multiple electric guitar and bass collections across Gibson Brands, including Gibson, Epiphone and Kramer. In 2017, Gene Simmons hit the headlines for something pretty controversial among the rock world. It can be easy to think that Gene Simmons views comic books as nothing more than a way to make some extra money on the side. Which is why, in addition to some of the cosmetic alterations the Axe has gone through over the years, we often see them with different pickups and hardware as well, as Simmons explained, A pickup is subject to the wood and the body shape. Spector #1 LoBue custom Thunderbird Dan Armstrong. The pickup becomes a Gibson EB-0 style, something that Gene had experimented with before (the Fender he used during the Wicked Lester days) and it would be the last pickup change for the LoBue. It's only taken us 50 years to go play the final shows 10 blocks away on 33rd Street, which is Madison Square Garden," the band's bass player, Gene Simmons, said on . Theres a good chance that you might have to be prepared for things to go a little wrong. They dont have the attack you need in arenas., Simmons isnt a nostalgic type of guy when it comes to his instruments, even the vintage ones and the prototypes, I dont have that sort of I have to keep this one because its my first mentality. If there is one thing that several musicians hate more than most things, its people pirating their music. The video clips are from one of the German dates (the blood spitting clip) and Sydney. The shift to the Jackson comes about just before the European leg of the Lick it up tour. I have yet to figure out what this bridge was. On the one hand it has an inlay of Gene's makeup on the headstock that looks very similar to the one that Carr did on Spector #1. [*] The shape of the bass was indeed completely original in that it was custom shaped but it wasn't an original design. In the end the long-scale neck and the rather elaborate Q-system electronics probably proved unnecessary for Gene's no-frills style. Its one of the most distinctive signature models of all time, but how did the KISS Demon come up with his trusty four-string? . The offstage shot also gives us the first look at the tape coverup of the original bridge holes as discussed below, thus beginning Gene's long use of tape coverups. The clear knobs make the transition into the new year appearing in Chicago on 78.01.15. Tuning stability and intonation also feel impeccable: This is definitely aset and forget kind of bass that allows the player to focus on their performance, undistracted and with confidence. Well, in simple terms its a neck-through construction instrument with a hard maple neck and mahogany axe blade body. Sadly, Steve Carr passed away in 2006 which probably means that this part of the Axe story will forever be shrouded in mystery. The picture on the far left here clearly shows that the body was beveled where Gene rested his right arm. It turns out Gene Simmons is no exception, but not many people know the rockstar was once actually a teacher. The pickup cover has been removed and the original Thunderbird humbucker it covered has been replaced with a larger humbucker (probably a DiMarzio since Gene were fond of those and happened to know Larry DiMarzio from school). As far as video evidence goes it first appears in the opening credits of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park (see below). My reference points were people like Paul McCartney. Newer Than: Search this thread only; Search this forum only. I think it's fair to say that Gene's techs have made quite imaginative use of simple black tape throughout the years. Simmons was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of . "Kiss was born on 23rd Street. Name: Frank Benpensata From: Staten Island, NY USA First Backstage Bass Experience: Wizard World Comic Convention What I remember most: Getting a private meet and greet with Gene's at his hotel in New York City.This was the night before the NYC Vault Experience in 2018. It also speaks volumes of Gene's "working-bass" concept: as long as it works and looks good enough, it will do. And then we come to the "how many Spectors" issue. Or maybe the rather strange decision to use the Axe for a song like Reason to live during the Crazy Nights tour drove home the point that the Axe was a somewhat odd fit for the image at the time. Why the other two remain unchanged is anyone's guess. Custom Charlie LoBue bass built for Gene Simmons of KISS. Apparently, Gene wanted to sue everyone who shared copyrighted files, something that saw his site get taken down by Anonymous. I beat DC in using The Demon they tried to stop me, but I was able to prove that my Demon was far more famous than their Demon character!, By trademarking the name and shape of the Axe, Simmons was able to control who builds the instrument for him, and sure enough hes switched builders many times over the years. It seems Gene will live to spit blood another day. That was until 2011 when Gene suddenly got down on one knee and decided to make things official. Nady 950 wireless. A Tribute to the Pedulla 1988 MVP4 - The Gene Simmons Vampire Punisher. The Kiss aesthetic wont appeal tonon-fans. However, it was his time as an assistant at Vogue and Glamour magazines that could have led to a very different career. It wasnt long before people were outraged by the comments, and Gene was forced to apologize. Search child forums as well Gene has nothing but nice things to say about the stories that have been brought to life and the art thats used throughout each graphic novel. And the first time I used this was on New Year's Eve, Dubai, 2020. Gene? I do stuff because I get excited about it and then I hope that other people will get excited about it as well. But as far as what its going to mean after Im gone, oh my god, who cares? In fact, his passion for comic books even helped to inspire The Demon that we see at Kiss shows as Biography reports Gene shaped his character on Marvels Black Bolt. It turns out that some people were so offended by how Gene Simmons conducted himself and the thoughts he has on people suffering from their mental health that they decided to protest against the rockstar and his band. The worlds leading authority and resource for all things guitar. The change to mkIV happens sometime early July: the original pickup is on display during the Largo show 79.07.08 but by the shows in New York there is a new pickup in place. Considering that the mkI version had a single coil pickup (possibly a stacked humbucker) the third knob is somewhat of a mystery. One can also see that the material under the studs is completely different from the rest of the bass. It looked cool on a piece of paper so I thought it would look cool as a bass., The Axe has become such an integral part to not only KISS, and Genes Demon character, but Gene Simmons himself. Overview. This particular version of the bass doesn't last long as both the bridge and the pickup are soon changed for mk IV. Spector #2 Both stars were known for their use of illegal substances, and both lost their lives while they were still in their prime. As Simmons explains, I started out playing Ampeg SVTs and for a while we were going to do a line of SVT amps and they were originally going to be called The Punisher, and I was able to beat Marvel to the trademark for the name Punisher, even though they had a character named The Punisher. Probably taken straight from an old EB-0 or Thunderbird it first appears on 76.02.23 and will stay on until the bass disappears for good despite a few later changes to the bridge underneath it. Heres how it works. A long-tongued, fire-breathing, towering bass player who performs in a demon warpaint, massive platform boots, and stylized armor, Simmons is a sight to behold. This custom prototype Axe bass was built by Steve Carr who originally came to work for the band when his one-time apprentice became Ace's guitar tech in 1978. Thanks to abusername for pointing that out. The one below from Cleveland 79.07.19 is the only one I've found that is actually from 1979. The Gibson Thunderbird was a backup used on occasion when the trusty Spector #1 had to take a rest. Of course, it could also be so simple that the band and management felt that the new, more serious concept album KISS weren't properly represented by an instrument that looked like an Axe. [***]. The offstage shot shows Gene with the bass and the action on that thing could make a grown man cry. The LoBue was the undisputed no. Notice also the triangular "point" of the finish. Become part of our community of travelers to receive exclusive tips, tricks and travel expert secrets, By Hannah Pennington, Published on Mar 24, 2021, Gene Simmons claims that hes been intimate with thousands of women, The Cheapest Countries In The World For Traveling, Tourists Share The Craziest Things They Have Seen While Traveling The World, Hilarious Breakup Notes That Are Bordering On Awkard, Everything You Could Possibly Need to Know About Subscription Travel, Bizarre Photos Youd Only Ever See In Thailand, The Worlds Most Anticipated Bar Has Finally Opened In London, These Valentines Destinations Are Perfect For Every Type Of Couple. Some have wondered why the Kiss star hasnt used his time in the limelight to help other people on their rise to the top. All of his business-savvy moves and investing in several companies, such as a financial company, a restaurant chain, and a sports team, means hes earned quite the fortune over the years. As a subscriber enjoy big savings off the shop price! Later in the year, in Columbus 76.11.30, the cover is very obviously split into two colors, a very sharp delineation that wasn't there in March and May, which suggests that it's been at least partially replaced. It even has the original pickup right up to the end of 1980. Things went from bad to worse when two women accused Gene of behaving inappropriately, something he denies. There are, to my knowledge, precious few pictures of Spector #2 in the Love Gun/Alive II costumes. It can be tough for any celebritys child to make a name for themselves when their parents are Hollywood royalty. Two or three years ago, Gibson and I connected and decided to do a joint venture - the G2: Gene and Gibson, or Gibson and Gene. . It's a little hard to say when the Gibson sponsorship ran out but the classic "KISS uses Gibson Guitars and Pearl drums because they want the best" was present on the back cover of Love gun (June) but absent on Alive II (November). It has a 30" scale which matches that of the LoBue. (Also seen in Lund, Sweden. LoBue custom Fender P-bass. Alas, by mid-1977 the cherised LoBue's days are numbered. It has been suggested that it was a series/parallell switch which is feasible. People accused Nick of plagiarizing ideas from the likes of Hellsing, One Piece, and Bleach, something that was enough to see the youngsters dreams of becoming a graphic novel author vanish before he got his time to shine. The musician was behind some of the most legendary tunes of our time and left a huge mark on the world when he passed in 2016. In a rather unprecedented move the bass is left alone with no noticeable modifications. Not once in the Gene Simmons/Bass Player interview (July 1996) does Simmons ever claim . Sadly, that all changed in 2017 when the rockstar made a bit too much of a lasting impression at the new network after a meeting gone wrong. The Les Paul Triumph bass, actually designed by Les Paul himself, had been introduced in 1971 as a successor to the Les Paul bass. Okay, its hard to deny that one of Gene Simmons most prominent features is his tongue.