The jury is out on that one. 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. It seems this only made Gene even angrier than ever. 1979 saw the introduction of the Axe bass into Gene's repertoire and the beginning of a life-long association. The move to Gibsons during 1975 was purely financial. Ice Cubes group, N.W.A., was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. If Gene tried to use the Carr Axe live it probably turned out to be too heavy for use. However, that isnt the case. However, he's also been known for the varied love life he's led over the years, with his numerous relationships having been . The pickup is still the original one as we can see from the lovely closeups. Though he is known for his woodsman-inspired Axe guitar, he told me it . Below are a few early shots of Gene using the LoBue in 1972-73 starting with the loft rehearsals as a three piece, a shot from one of the shows at the Daisy, and . Now, depending on the pic and the angle the new pickup doesn't look quite like itself: at times it looks grayish and with barely discernible pole pieces, and other times it looks black with large and obvious pole pieces. Sadly, neither relationship lasted for Gene. Gene Simmons, bassist and co-vocalist of rock band Kiss, looks back on the band's career, and how he has been in charge of the group's highly lucrative business affairs. Diana Ross. Page 108 of KISS Alive Forever has a nice shot of Spector #1 at the Palladium show. Personal messages from members of The Gene Simmons Bass Collectors Club. Gene has gone through quite a few different basses over the years. This is where Gene's search for something very specific seems to start. Larry Harris had set up an endorsement deal which apparently specified that the band use Gibsons exclusively on stage in exchange for free instruments (see. 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. It's a smart and quick solution since it's not visible for the most part. But out of costume, the Kiss co-frontman is an equally commanding presence. LoBue custom. The result? Gene Simmons has played all sorts of instruments over the years, from the Charlie LoBue custom bass guitar heard on the early Kiss albums to his own Punisher and Axe signatures, although for a while in the mid-70s Simmons did experiment with Gibson Grabbers and Rippers. It is generally assumed that the re-finish and the headstock inlay occured at the same time even though the picture evidence can't entirely support that conclusion. Why the other two remain unchanged is anyone's guess. Considering that the mkI version had a single coil pickup (possibly a stacked humbucker) the third knob is somewhat of a mystery. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. It appears as if the Fender-style bridge that was previously under the bridge cover is moved back, sans the saddles, and a different bridge used in its stead. Thats right; the rockstar actually paid his way through college, all thanks to his comic book sales. Introduced in 1973, the Grabber was Gibson's first bolt-on neck bass and featured a sliding pickup (you "grabbed" it to change the pickup position, hence the name). The theory is that this is a simple piece of tape covering up a hole that used to fit a mini switch and the photo from San Diego 77.08.19 even seem to show that hole. Its one thing to date two of the biggest names in music, and its something entirely different to break up their friendship as a result. Gene brings out the metal flake Grabber for 100,000 years at Winterland. Gene Simmons's new haircut. But for the Fridays TV appearance in January 1982 Spector #2 was back. In the case of Kramer, Jackson and Cort, as soon as quality started to dip, a new builder would be found. 2023 Guitar.com is part of NME Networks. Talking about rap and hip-hop was enough to get plenty of people talking about Gene Simmons and his ever-changing music views. Apparently, Gene has always been obsessed with comic books and knows some of the biggest names who have worked on the art over the years, but it was getting his hands on certain Golden Age books and turning them around for $10,000 each that really saw the money start rolling in from a young age. The basic design of the bass has changed a little through the years and it's been made by several luthiers and companies. Sadly, things didnt quite work out for the star. Metal, wood. 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. Things didnt get off to a good start as he accused them of playing a victim, but he made things even worse by stating in an interview that they should take their own lives. It turned out the bass player wanted to trademark the devil horns sign. These days the basses are available through his own website [GeneSimmonsAxe.com] and every Axe Bass is built by hand, and is personally inspected by Simmons before being shipped to the customer. The rockstar was born in Israel where Gene says his family lived in extreme poverty before they saved enough to emigrate to the States and start a new life. It was probably added to help the intonation problems inherent in any set bridge like the original, but this one proved problematic as the few surviving pictures show that the strings had a tendency to skip out of position. 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 Spector web site is clear on the matter: "The bass in the photo above [on the Spector web site, not featured here] is still in Gene's possession as far as we know. There was little change as the band headed into 1974 and started on what would turn out to be a lifetime of heavy touring. After being on a breif hiatus the Thunderbird returned to the Gibson catalogue in 1976 for the Bicentennial. 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. Biography reports that Gene actually worked a host of jobs as he tried to raise money to start his own band. 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. Get the latest and greatest Guitar news with one of our guitar magazine subscriptions. Skip to main content. . The picture on the far left here clearly shows that the body was beveled where Gene rested his right arm. 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. It showed a mirror image of the #1 Spector and erroneously dubbed it a "Spectre" bass, even claiming it was the first "Spectre" ever made. Apparently, the staff were all in a meeting when Gene burst into the room unannounced. Sadly, Gene wasnt impressed with the shows choice as he referred to Madonna as a karaoke singer during an interview with TMZ. It is only shown in a series of backstage pics from February or March 1976, a single backstage pic from Stockholm, Sweden on 76.05.28, and a later backstage instrument lineup from Daytom, OH 76.08.08. During one interview, the rockstar was asked if he admired anyone else more than himself. Just as musicians arrange 12 notes to create songs, guitar designs often take the form of artistic expression when shaped in new and interesting ways. Like many, the rockstar was forced to take any job that came his way, including a role as a deli cashier. Some time between Toledo 75.11.12 and Chicago 75.11.22 Gene changes the volume knob. Exactly what happens to the LoBue is matter of some confusion. [**] 1996 Guitars that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive! (My guess is that the P-bass pickup was added when it was painted black.) During an October 28 question-and-answer session with fans aboard this year's Kiss Kruise, KISS frontman Paul Stanley was asked what he has learned about himself through his 50-year friendship and . Switching to just the bridge pickup, theres a huge shift in the midrange and a noticeable drop in the low-end thats perfect for chords or riffs that need less sonic boom and more snarl, such as Simmons opening lines to Love Gun and Shout It Out Loud, played higher up the neck on the first string. It has a 30" scale which matches that of the LoBue. Here we get to see it with a studded cover of some sort, probably leather. Gene tapped Valdez Guitars to build the first one, then Steve Carr built a few, as did Kramer, Jackson, and Cort. You've written some truly timeless basslines over the years so what exactly is the Gene Simmons guide to finding the perfect part? At least, thats what most lists would have you believe. I do stuff because I get excited about it and then I hope that other people will get excited about it as well. A customized electric bass guitar - the "Gene Simmons Axe Bass" - was especially created for him by South Korean giant Cort. It also arrives with a low enough action for more technically ambitious styles of playing, as well as basic root-noted rock, making bends, stretches and hammer-ons more comfortable than expected. The pair have been together since 1983, with Gene telling People that theyve been happily unmarried most of that time. 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. 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. However, Gene Simmons had his own views on it all and they werent very popular. There was once a time that Gene Simmons appeared to be on Fox News at every waking moment. In the words of Mr. Simmons himself: "Stu Spector made me another bass at the same time, very similar, but the horn on the top was slightly warped and longer than the bottom one" (Guitars that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive 1996). For Gene Simmons, playing with Kiss is more than being in a rock and roll band; its about being part of a rock and roll brand. Perhaps its no wonder that Gene has taken his idea of branding the band to the top and cultivated quite the brand over the years? Newer Than: Search this thread only; Search this forum only. Gene Simmons Bass Solo Compilation from the beginning to the end! The Serial Number for this Gene Simmons KISS: PUNISHER Bass Guitar is: #00896. [*] Spiro of tribute band fame has mentioned that Gene told him it was stolen while being away for repairs after Gene "fell off the front of the stage". That is probably going to be a very big item. G, from Gene to Gibson, will introduce new collections of right and left-handed electric guitars and basses across . LoBue custom LP Triumph Gibson EB-0. 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). The idea that it was a built-in fuzz is much less likely. Thankfully, everyone walked away from the incident without any injuries. Most of his notable work comes from his time in Genes reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels.. Gene continued to add how he thinks Prince slowly took his life over many years by using drink and illegal substances, even though neither were mentioned in the official report. Both stars were known for their use of illegal substances, and both lost their lives while they were still in their prime. The three-night stand in Detroit from 77.01.27, represented here by the pro-shot video from the third night, is the first sighting of the last incarnation of the LoBue (mk VIII). We will meet you at a designated area at the venue, prior to the show to organize details etc . The most high-profile appearance during 1984-1986 is in Animalize Live Uncensored where it gets taken for a spin for Gene's solo spot. As the photos show there is a marked difference in the shape of the lower horn, most easily seen in the shots of the back. There is a bass resembling the Grabber, based on the headstock, standing offstage in a pic from 76.02.01, in. Gene Simmons is one of the most legendary names in music, thanks to his time with Kiss. Whatever the new binding was actually made with it was one of the least durable materials in the known universe. Before that, the beautiful acoustic instrument had . Spector #1 Spector #2 Thunderbird. Since this part relies entirely on picture evidence of miniscule details clicking the individual pictures below will bring up higher-res images. I sell out every night., Just as different paintbrushes might inspire us to paint differently, the Axe is a very different instrument and commands a different vibe when it is played. What one can argue is that it seems highly unlikely that a rear output jack would be placed on the upper part of the body, far away from the rest of the electronics.). Its said that he would judge peoples intelligence depending on the noise it made. Gene Simmons went through the folder compiled for him, containing approximately 100 pages. . At the time Spector only had two model bass guitars, the SB-1 and the SB-2. 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. Not once in the Gene Simmons/Bass Player interview (July 1996) does Simmons ever claim . 1970 replacement Gibson pickup has been added and moved closer to the bridge; and a new, custom shape pickguard has been added. Spector #1 is certainly still in the picture but when it comes to relative use their fortunes are reversed with #1 "coming off the bench" here and there and #2 getting more stage time. Cause & Effects: Are vintage effects pedals always the best examples of their type. Designed to meet the musical needs of modern bassists, it features the classic Reverse Thunderbird body and headstock shape. [*] 1996 Guitars that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive! Gene has claimed that he had it painted black before the start of the Alive! Find out more about how we test. Its difficult for me to walk past a mirror without stopping to say, yo, whats up?. Although he's spent the last 50 years This is the story behind the iconic Axe Bass which has been wielded by Gene Simmons for decades. This bass is authorized by Gene Simmons, and each Axe is adorned with Gene's signature on the headstock. Gene and his bass finally did part ways, though by all accounts he was reluctant to give it up. 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. 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. Below are pictures detailing the rather slight differences between them. Nady 950 wireless. The problems with the bridge above promted another change. That was until 2011 when Gene suddenly got down on one knee and decided to make things official. Both Peter Criss and Gene Simmons weren't the best players of their instruments but by god they both had a cool groove which made their song unmistakenly Kiss. This mk III retains the original violin-type bridge. They werent the only ones who had something to say, as Nikki Sixx from Mtley Cre has been open about his battles with depression. Gene also caused a stir when he admitted he feels immigrants should all learn to speak English before moving to the States. Contact our experts for a recommendation of great alternatives. Then came the aftermath. Ron Wood is very under-appreciated. The original incarnation of the LoBue (mk I) had an unfinished wood body, a set neck, a violin-style bridge, a single-coil pickup, a black pickguard, and, despite Gene's quote above, three knobs. Thats not individual products. What I will refer to as Spector #1 (although in reality it is two basses) makes it debut for the Love Gun tour on the very first night in Halifax. Simmons is announcing a new signature bass guitar in collaboration with Gibson, called the Gene Simmons G Thunderbird Bass. This particular version of the bass doesn't last long as both the bridge and the pickup are soon changed for mk IV. Speaking out against the genres meant it wasnt long before plenty of people had their own thoughts about the rockstar and Kiss. 1 810 cab. It's not shown in the tour book photos shot at SIR studios but instead makes its "proper" debut in the video for. 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. And for the Valdez Axe that's all she wrote. The inception of the Axe Bass came from the adage of referring to a guitar as an axe. Theres a good chance that you might have to be prepared for things to go a little wrong. Just because Gene was a part of the scene doesnt mean that he took part in everything that came his way. Had the studs been mounted on the body this would have been completely non-sensical. That was until a friend suggested Gene get in touch with the singers best friend to try and find a Christmas present. The SB-1 had a mini switch, something that none of Gene's Spectors have and it would be easy to assume that his instruments were simply built without one. 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." They cover the classic Kiss tones, from the walking lines of Strutter through to heavier hits likeCreatures Of The Night and beyond. on August 28, 2019. Rock fans everywhere might disagree as Gene Simmons believes its time to give up on the genre. It seems thats what some people think, especially when looking at old footage of The Demon of Kiss. Gibson havent let themselves down here at all, with this review model feeling lighter than it looks. In an interview with his son for Esquire in 2014, Gene confessed he believes that rock music has finally come to an end, and even went as far as to say the music industry could be on its last legs. It usually means the artists miss out on the profits and can have some pretty huge effects. So much so that Gibson put out a demo vinyl record showcasing the various tones the system was capable of. We'll let him know. . And then we come to the "how many Spectors" issue. I heard there's a special package including one of your Axe or Punisher basses. 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. Gene Simmons, bass guitarist for Kiss, gets ready to breathe fire during the crescendo of "Firehouse," a number performed during a concert in Hartford, Conn., Feb. 18, 1977. Maybe gross, maybe cool, but definitely profitable to Mr. Simmons with a starting price of $12,000 per bass. Search titles only; Posted by Member: Separate names with a comma. The following day, Fox News announced that Gene had been permanently banned from the studios, with some reports claiming there is a photo of Gene behind the security desk to ensure he never sneaks in. Perhaps most importantly of all, its a bass thats tailor-made for conjuring this larger-than-life characters earth-conquering tones. The courts fired back that hand gestures themselves cant be trademarked, meaning Genes case was thrown out, and he was forced to let others pull the pose. For the 1981 TV appearances in Mexico and the sattelite feed to the San Remo festival Gene relied on the Kramer Axe. Open menu Close menu . Though he speaks measuredly . 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. [] I had two of them on the road with me, but I liked the sound of the off-red one." Celebrating 50 years in rock (1966-2016) Gene Simmons, multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, co-founder and front man of KISS, America's number one gold record award-winning group of all time in all categories (RIAA), and one of the most recognized performers in the world, recently announced the . No matter what Gene may say in various interviews, the various instruments he's tried and modified over the years all point to him wanting a simple, no-frills instrument. But as far as what its going to mean after Im gone, oh my god, who cares? the #2 Spector got the nod. Spector #2 Oh no, its merely the number of categories that Kiss is now involved with. 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. 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. In contrast, Spector #2 takes a serious beating throughout (the pics below span the entire tour). Earliest known appearance of this version is 75.05.06 in Milwaukee, WI. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Published. After the re-finish (more info below) the coverup disappears, most likely because the hole was filled before the finish was applied. Plenty of articles can tell you what the Axe is, the wood and the metal the specs, but to get the real insight on what this legendary instrument meansyou have to go to the source, the man whos been playing it all these years, Mr Gene Simmons himself. 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. This guitar was purchased brand NEW in the year 2000! But, during the Convention Tour of 1995 this bass was part of the museum and was labeled as a prototype Gene Simmons Axe (see pic and video below). However, some. Im spectacular, before adding, Oh Im stunning. Yes, it seems that Gene has struggled to find room in his heart for anyone other than himself as the star often loves to talk about his love for himself, even if its left some people wondering if he knows how to be down to Earth. However, the couple was never in a rush to make it down the aisle. According to the Spector web site "Gene Simmons of mega-group KISS commissioned several Brooklyn Era SB-1 basses from Stuart in the late 1970's. 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. LoBue custom Fender P-bass. The rockstar tried to say Prince had turned to several cliches that often come with a time at the top and supposedly thought he was the best musician in the world. The headstock featured Gene's autograph and the pointy shape of the head was mirrored by a bizarre pointed part below the bridge. From 2006 until 2012, Gene Simmons and his family starred in the reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels. . Strings - Lutes - Guitars. To top it off, Gene says that he has a Polaroid photo of each of his partners from over the years and a hotel key firm the night they spent together. I made several of these until we hit a design that is pretty much what he uses today." 10 young bluesbreakers who are making the Blues fun again, Maybe Id move to Japan and try and be an English teacher! Mastodons Bill Kelliher on the future of the band, his love of Les Pauls and what hed do if he wasnt in the band. Viewed as a whole it is obvious that the LoBue was far and away Gene's favorite. It has a 24 frets and the deep cut away which allows me to easily reach the 23rd and 24th frets - a real bonus. Gi. The shift to the Jackson comes about just before the European leg of the Lick it up tour. For this occasion Gene borrowed a Thunderbird and proceeded to "thumb" his way through the songs.). The application claimed that Gene first used the gesture in 1974 while posing for a photo with the legend that is Dave Grohl. The GENE SIMMONS Meet & Greet Bass Signing Includes: - Choice of Gene Simmons Bass, signed & personalized by Gene Simmons. As one of the founding members of KISS, Gene Simmons is certainly one of the most recognizable faces in rock music. Well, in simple terms its a neck-through construction instrument with a hard maple neck and mahogany axe blade body. Spector #1 Spector #2 Valdez Axe Carr Axe. Gene? Let's hope it turns up in somebody's basement. But, during the Convention Tour of 1995 this bass was part of the museum and was labeled as a prototype Gene Simmons Axe (see pic and video below). He decided years ago that she'd already been through enough having survived the horrors of the Holocaust, and he didn't want to break her heart by becoming a drug addict. The one below from Cleveland 79.07.19 is the only one I've found that is actually from 1979. As if things couldnt get any worse, Gene proceeded to tear his shirt and shouted, Hey chicks, sue me!. KISS frontman Gene Simmons delivers briefing at Pentagon podium that has not seen a spokesperson in almost a year By Tom Kludt , CNN Business Updated 10:54 AM EDT, Fri May 17, 2019 I seem to remember there was a bass purporting to have belonged to Mr. Simmons on eBay, and a thread back in the DP2 days? 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. 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