The LoBue was the undisputed no. 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. Here we can see the outline of the tape coverup (check the full-size pic for better detail) for the last time. This is the story behind the iconic Axe Bass which has been wielded by Gene Simmons for decades. Wicked Lester had their equipment stolen from the loft at Mott St. and Canal St. After this there is a long void of solid photographic evidence on what happens. You know, I dont think in those terms, he explains. It was even Genes love of comic books that saw Kiss adopt many of their stage mannerisms and gimmicks that have made the bands performances so famous over the years. 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? Considering the photographic evidence the natural finish Grabber doesn't seem to have gotten much action. Gi. 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. This phenomenon can also be spotted at the start of the Return of KISS tour. The pics below are from a show in January, either on the 21st or 22nd. (My original theory was that the blade was originally silver and refinished black but the dating of the photo shoots are well-established.) Ever the savvy businessman, Simmons ended up trademarking the term "Axe" as it refers to a musical instrument, as well as the shape of the bass. As seen in the pictures below, all taken from the first month of the Love Gun tour, there is an "irregularity" in the finish below the volume knob that can't be explained by a reflection or a shadow. 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. One person in particular had plenty to say as Ice Cube took to social media, which started a pretty heated feud between the two. Just because Gene was a part of the scene doesnt mean that he took part in everything that came his way. Answer (1 of 7): When I was younger it was KISS that got me to listen to Heavy Metal and I thought then that Gene Simmons was the best period! Talking with legendary rock 'n' roll musician, Gene Simmons, one thing becomes clear pretty quickhe likes a good thrill. Spector #1 Spector #2 Thunderbird. The '73 and '74 models were slightly "rounder" over the horns and had a slightly wider body so considering the look of Gene's Ripper it was probably a 1975 ebony version which sported an alder body (Gibson reverted back to maple in 1977). Would you believe that hes been building a business empire for himself since he was back in college? Right after the guitar was purchased, it was immediately packed in its hard case along with all of the items the guitar came with, which included: The Certificate of Authenticity, the original Gene Simmons hard . Search child forums as well Okay, its not always simple to figure out how much someone is worth, especially when their name is tied to a well-known company or, in this case, a band. My reference points were people like Paul McCartney. This obviously reflected the economic state of the band at the time, Paul and Ace also had very clear no. [**] In a 2013 interview at G-Club in Tokyo Gene threw another wrinkle to the story of the LoBue's demise, this time suggesting that he used the bass on stage in 1982 when he fell off the front of the stage, cracked the neck and promptly gave the pieces to a member of the audience. None of the known LoBue basses had a bridge like this so it was probably not LoBue's work. [*] 1996 Guitars that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive! Gene Simmons is one of those who has proven he has what it takes to keep calm and carry on as he tripped over a raised part of the stage during a performance in Montana back in 2016. Biography reports that Gene actually worked a host of jobs as he tried to raise money to start his own band. 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. 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 . Skip to main content. 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. 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. To highlight a detail that entered the story a little earlier when the Fender bridge was installed I've chosen these particular pics. There is something else that Nick Simmons has been working on over the years, and it comes in the form of his graphic novel. Sadly, in 2014, Gene upset quite a few people during an interview with HuffPost Live. The pair have been together since 1983, with Gene telling People that theyve been happily unmarried most of that time. In order to cover the screw holes from the original (and replacement) stringmount below the then-current bridge cover, Gene's tech simply added a piece of what appear to be electrical tape. Why you can trust Guitar World Kiss's always-colorful bassist reflects on how he and Paul Stanley wrestled with the band's identity - and Vinnie Vincent's unorthodox, fleet-fingered ideas - on Creatures of the Night, 40 years on. Many people thought Gene was talking about those who suffer from their mental health. I've scammed people all this time The world of Jean-Jacques Burnel. 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 looked as though he was all set to reach the big time as it wasnt long before his work gained plenty of fans worldwide. Thats right; the rockstar actually paid his way through college, all thanks to his comic book sales. 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 number of replicas that have turned up over the years is a clear indication of the bass' truly iconic status.) 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. The basic design of the bass has changed a little through the years and it's been made by several luthiers and companies. "I saw a bass he had built hanging on the wall and decided right then that I wanted it. The move to Gibsons during 1975 was purely financial. But in the three pictures below I'm having a. 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. - Hard Shell Gene Simmons fitted bass case signed by Gene Simmons. Together, the happy couple share two kids; Nichols Adam Tweed-Simmons and Sophie Alexandra Tweed-Simmons. There's very nice video of it from both Houston and Anaheim in August that show the mk VI in action. Among the promo pics taken at Stewart Air Force Base 77.11.09 is the photo on the left below which seem to show a hole where the above coverup was placed. We now know that Gene Simmons doesnt always have the most popular opinions on people who use illegal substances. The Q-system was designed by Bill Lawrence and was quite versatile. Stuart shaved down the normally bulbous horns of the SB-1 into points." Gene Simmons now thinks people pirating songs was enough to see the end of rock and roll as he confessed he thinks no one values the music enough to pay for it.. The LoBue worked tirelessly night in and night out and didn't go through any changes except the wear and tear of heavy use. My bass is the only musical instrument that is an 'invention'.". Thats right; the bass player is often seen with blood pouring from his mouth, but dont worry; no bass players are harmed in the making of the act. It turns out that Gene Simmons worked in a whole host of careers before he made his way to the world of rock and roll. 1 810 cab. In 2012, Madonna fans were in for a treat as the pop star was lined up to star at the Super Bowl halftime show. The two volume controls allow for a blend of either orboth pickups, with the rhythm unit alone bringing a wonderfully articulate sound that has enough brightness to retain definition andclarity. For me it was also pragmatism, because I already owned the word Axe as it relates to musical instruments, so I hand-designed it, and I still have the original artwork and it looks very much like the Axe thats available today. Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird: Price Comparison, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. 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. Fans of the band get to enjoy an entire performance thats been carefully choreographed to be an experience like none other in the world. Believe it or not, but Gene is quite the entrepreneur when hes not working with the band. The Kramer Axe was fine for playback but for one of very few live TV performances (the first one since 1974?) 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). I drew what the Axe might be. [*] 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. Like many, the rockstar was forced to take any job that came his way, including a role as a deli cashier. In the end the long-scale neck and the rather elaborate Q-system electronics probably proved unnecessary for Gene's no-frills style.