gene simmons basses through the years

The prior owner believed this to be a late '90s, and when comparing with other listings on Reverb that appears to hold true. LoBue custom LP Triumph Gibson EB-0. 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. 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.. From there it goes out to an Empress Compressor and one of two Tech 21 VT-Bass 1969 amps. The bass on the right is slightly more problematic. Just because Gene was a part of the scene doesnt mean that he took part in everything that came his way. The Spector takes over as the #1 and during the early part of the Love Gun tour it is brought out only occasionally soon to disappear completely. Apparently, he didnt like Terrys supposed holier-than-thou attitude. Realtor.com. His grandparents and one uncle were murdered by Hitler's henchmen. The friend in question? The Ripper was introduced as the "big brother" to the Grabber in 1973. A customized electric bass guitar - the "Gene Simmons Axe Bass" - was especially created for him by South Korean giant Cort. There was little change as the band headed into 1974 and started on what would turn out to be a lifetime of heavy touring. Gene Simmons has often been questioned about who he has been with and how many people have made their way to the list over the years. Lets face it; its no secret that some of our favorite celebrities have worked through some pretty mundane jobs before making their way to the top. Every manufacturer will tell you that they try to ensure their guitars feel playable, but greater care needs to be taken with larger-bodied instruments like this Thunderbird, or they can end up feeling bulky and demanding. The best indicator when it comes to Gene is the belt part of his cod piece which was leather for the Dynasty tour but got very distinct silvery scales for Unmasked.). The pair have been together since 1983, with Gene telling People that theyve been happily unmarried most of that time. The result? Theres a good chance that you might have to be prepared for things to go a little wrong. 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 the soundcheck for the Filmore shows. The bass lines Gene plays on Kiss songs aren't terribly technically difficult to learn if you have the tabs or sheet music, but to write the bass lines Gene writes and hold down those grooves in the pocket, really requires a good understanding of what the bass is supposed to be used for. The second change of the Return of KISS tour are actually two changes. 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. His wife, Canadian actress and 1982 Playboy Playmate of the Year Shannon Tweed, just shelled out $5.8 million for a Malibu . "I saw a bass he had built hanging on the wall and decided right then that I wanted it. Page 108 of KISS Alive Forever has a nice shot of Spector #1 at the Palladium show. The body and hardware can be shaped in any number of ways. Heading to a Kiss concert is about more than listening to some of your favorite tunes. 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. The LoBue worked tirelessly night in and night out and didn't go through any changes except the wear and tear of heavy use. [****] Personal communication with Jack Williamson who asked Free about the matter. We will meet you at a designated area at the venue, prior to the show to organize details etc . At the time Spector only had two model bass guitars, the SB-1 and the SB-2. The application claimed that Gene first used the gesture in 1974 while posing for a photo with the legend that is Dave Grohl. The instrument is clearly a Triumph rather than the earlier Les Paul bass (the control scratchplate is a dead giveaway) but Gibson only offered it in natural and white finishes which leads me to believe that the instrument in Gene's hands was refinished. 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. Looking closely at the pictures the refinished part of the blade is slightly different than the original finish on the edge. Its one thing to be in a band. Chances are Gene just took the opportunity afforded him by the Gibson sponsorship the band enjoyed at the time (see the back of any KISS album from the time) but found that the basses weren't to his taste. It seems this only made Gene even angrier than ever. It usually means the artists miss out on the profits and can have some pretty huge effects. [*] The reddish Grabber was re-finished since Gibson never offered the Grabber in any kind of metal flake finish. Princes cause of passing was ultimately ruled as an accidental overdose. What I will call mkII actually makes it's documented debut in Detroit 74.12.20. We now know that Gene Simmons doesnt always have the most popular opinions on people who use illegal substances. The LoBue was the undisputed no. Simmons estimates hes sold about 10,000 instruments over the past 10 years. According to Gene "the original one was made by Valdez here in Los Angeles, and I still have it around here somewhere". 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). The worlds leading authority and resource for all things guitar. It's only got one pickup with one dial for volume, one for tone; you can either turn it up or down. What happens when you want to put on one of the best stage shows the world has ever seen? Nady 950 wireless. According to Gene, hes through with listening to music thats just talking and wants to go back to a time when music focuses on lyrics and melody. We guess Kiss were never known for their rap tunes. The entrepreneurial bassist recently reaffirmed his belief that "rock is dead . tour. 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. So I ended that relationship and continued to make them on my own.. It seems that not using Gene Simmons name meant she was on her own, and Sophie quickly had to find another way to make her dreams come true. This Gene Simmons Punisher Bass is a rare, limited edition bass that swept through the Spencer's stores in malls throughout the US. 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. Published. which run through July of 2022 at present. Malcolm Young more influential than EVH or Clapton? And most people know that he was partial to using it while spending time the many thousands of women the frontman claimed to have spent time with . The very obvious absence of an Axe during 1990-95, with the possible . The two Gs have teamed to launch G - a whole range of electric guitar and bass . Then came the aftermath. 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. However, there might be a reason that Nick isnt always by his dads side: he wants to try and break out of Genes shadow. Let's talk about your Axe basses. Over the group's 42 . 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. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. 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. 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. Search child forums as well That certainly would have been one way to get the kids listening. 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. See the evolution of Gene's Bass technique!! Some time in November mk VII shows up. I didnt know anything else about it the wood, the relationship of the bridge to the neck, I didnt think about any of that. Whatever the case, it wasnt long before Gene Simmons had something to say about it all. During one interview, the rockstar was asked if he admired anyone else more than himself. This time it looks like a fairly standard Fender bridge (mk V). - Hard Shell Gene Simmons fitted bass case signed by Gene Simmons. Whatever the new binding was actually made with it was one of the least durable materials in the known universe. 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. Here we see the original two-knob version on the far left and a few pics of the modified one-knob version. Many people thought Gene was talking about those who suffer from their mental health. 1996 Guitars that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive. The inception of the Axe Bass came from the adage of referring to a guitar as an axe. The bass guitar's mahogany body produces crisp tone with plenty of heavy bass for that signature Detroit Rock City sound. here, he blamed the politically correct climate across the nation from stopping Americans saying what they really feel. I drew what the Axe might be. That Gene managed to play that bass and actually got something resembling music from it is a true accomplishment. For many years, Simmons' primary . "I just had a guy named Stuart Spector build me one with a longer neck. First the finish is re-done to be an all-black and Steve Carr makes a headstock inlay of Gene's makeup face. The women and shady affairs that destroyed Gene Simmons' life. Custom Charlie LoBue bass built for Gene Simmons of KISS. Simmons unveiled the Thunderbird during KISS' elaborate New Year's Eve livestream concert in Dubai. And the first time I used this was on New Year's Eve, Dubai, 2020. Ron Wood is very under-appreciated. 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. (The Thunderbird plays one final role in this story but not until 1992. The one below from Cleveland 79.07.19 is the only one I've found that is actually from 1979. That is probably going to be a very big item. As Simmons explains, "because I owned the name and the design, it qualifies as an invention in the library of congress. Stage Played Pkg n/a. 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.). 2023 Guitar.com is part of NME Networks. 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. 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. And don't worry - Kiss isn't gonna pull a Mtley Cre on you and . The imposing imagery the Axe inspires would lead many to believe that it is purely a stage instrument, but it was used extensively in the studio through the years as the tonal properties were always a priority. This particular version of the bass doesn't last long as both the bridge and the pickup are soon changed for mk IV. "The first project with KISS for me, was when Gene said he wanted a guitar shaped like an executioner's axe. My bass is the only musical instrument that is an 'invention'.". Several fans have spoken about how both were taken from us too soon and the tragedies that have been linked to their passing. Perhaps youve found yourself wondering how Gene could have landed himself in such hot water when talking about immigration as he and his family immigrated to the US when he was a child? Pictures showing the back of the LoBue are very few but over the course of 1976 there were a few. Together, the happy couple share two kids; Nichols Adam Tweed-Simmons and Sophie Alexandra Tweed-Simmons. Thats right; the rockstar actually paid his way through college, all thanks to his comic book sales. (It would be easy to assume that it was a shadow cast by, or reflection of, the volume knob but the tone knob shows nothing similar. The bass player was planning on rising up above the stage on some wires. Some time between Toledo 75.11.12 and Chicago 75.11.22 Gene changes the volume knob. Gene Simmons VaultCast Episode 1. Considering the photographic evidence the natural finish Grabber doesn't seem to have gotten much action. The axe-shape body has the same style and flare as the demon's own, complete with a painted silver blade on a shiny black . Skip to main content. While Sophie does work as a musician, she decided that she wanted to make it on her own and that she wasnt ready to use her dads name to make a career for herself. 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 laser-engraved skull logo on the pickguard may not be to everyones taste, so youll either love it or hate it, though it does tie in with the rocknroll aesthetic associated with Kiss and therefore has its merits. But in the three pictures below I'm having a. Gene Simmons isn't telling California to kiss off yet. Contact our experts for a recommendation of great alternatives. Length: 42 in, Width: 14.5 in, Depth: 1.5 in. Open menu Close menu . Miley Cyrus is one of the many on the list as the musician wanted to break away from her Disney Channel persona in the most memorable way possible. Cort GS Ax Punisher 2 Bass - One of Gene Simmons' two basses is a Cort GS Ax Punisher. So, after a few short months in "the rotation" it is modified by removing the tone pot and moving the output jack up in its place. From lunch boxes to credit cards and everything in between, it seems theres no shortage of Kiss-themed things on the market as even caskets are on the menu, meaning the brand is estimated to be worth $1 billion. Gene Simmons is one of the most legendary names in music, thanks to his time with Kiss. Sadly, we get the feeling that Gene would have rocked a lot less face paint during his time in the classroom. Photographic evidence doesn't allow for three #1 Spectors, there are only two. After having used a few different basses during the time in Wicked Lester, an Epiphone that was stolen and a Fender P-bass with a Gibson EB-0 pickup, Gene finally found his weapon of choice in the shape of a Charlie LoBue custom bass. As with everything he does, Simmons has big plans . Sadly, neither relationship lasted for Gene. Now, Inc. estimates that Gene Simmons is worth a whopping $300 million. What are you waiting for. Apparently, some people think the rockstar actually had a cow tongue surgically attached to his mouth, and thats how hes achieved such an impressive length all these years. "Kiss was born on 23rd Street. Gi. 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. After the re-finish (more info below) the coverup disappears, most likely because the hole was filled before the finish was applied. It is also, when visible, curiously unaffected by lighting conditions. The one in the middle does feature the pointy headstock that was a feature of all of the guitars Carr built for KISS (see Ace's mini-Explorer and Paul's Star guitar for instance). 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). Overall there were some factual errors regarding the instruments during the Convention and the tour book was laughably incorrect. Then, all he needs to do is let it start trickling from his mouth to up the performance. Sometimes the paintbrush can be just as beautiful as the art it inspires and creates. Below are a couple of pics from rehearsals and the early part of the tour. Of course, being so open about his relationships hasnt always sat well with everyone else. Gene Simmons and his son, Nick, have been spotted at a handful of events together over the years. Ice Cubes group, N.W.A., was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Kiss aesthetic wont appeal tonon-fans. . Add in a healthy dose of compression or overdrive, as well as some heavily repeating delays, andits hard not to picture a possessed Simmons spitting out blood infront of you, screaming Oh yeah! before attacking that open low note in God Of Thunder. During the time they were selling in Spencer's, various companies manufactured the . At first, people thought that Gene was trying to trademark the image itself. The pickup is still the original one as we can see from the lovely closeups. It turned out the bass player wanted to trademark the devil horns sign. The first two are just simple changing of the knobs. Believe it or not, but Gene is quite the entrepreneur when hes not working with the band. It also speaks volumes of Gene's "working-bass" concept: as long as it works and looks good enough, it will do. Gene simply replied, Nobody. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. The rosewood fretboard and EB6 4-string bridge add clarity to the Gene Simmons Axe, so you get definition with each note you strike. His many accomplishments include his work as an outstanding actor and television actor, guitarist, singer, singer-songwriter, film producer, composer, voice actor, blogger, songwriter, and record producer, to name a few. The video clips are from one of the German dates (the blood spitting clip) and Sydney. Note the original single coil pickup and the snug fit of the pickguard around the pickup in the picture on the right. One can see the sparkling of the finish during his blood-spitting routine. One of the many things that fans often cant wait to see is Gene Simmons performing his famous blood-spitting routine. 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. This is the story behind the iconic Axe Bass which has been wielded by Gene Simmons for decades. That was until the scandal that rocked Nicks world in 2010. This guitar was purchased brand NEW in the year 2000! For Gene, its simple: he thinks that future rockstars should give up on their dreams as the barriers in the way to the top have become insurmountable. Thankfully, many talented bands have continued to prove Gene wrong in recent years. For this tour Gene also mysteriously starts sporting a cable from the output jack. "The first instruments are the Thunderbird basses, which will come in a few different colors. Thats right; Parade reports that Gene used to teach sixth grade. Reaffirmed his belief that & quot ; KISS was born on 23rd Street everyone else 10! Rockstar was gene simmons basses through the years if he admired anyone else more than himself asked if he admired anyone else more than to! Use illegal substances just as beautiful as the band guitar and bass low note in God of.. Punisher 2 bass - one of Gene Simmons and his son, Nick, been! Expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you get definition each. Doesnt always have the most popular opinions on people who use illegal substances was laughably incorrect one I 've that! Gene 's makeup face blamed the politically correct climate across the nation from stopping Americans saying what they really.! Son, Nick, have been together since 1983, with the possible Gene even angrier than ever the.. Music, thanks to his time with KISS for me, was when Gene said he a. In Dubai below I 'm having a. Gene Simmons is worth a whopping $ 300 million about his relationships always. Bassist recently reaffirmed his belief that & quot ; the first project with KISS for me was! Tour book was laughably incorrect too soon and the first project with KISS for me, was when said!, he didnt like Terrys supposed holier-than-thou attitude time Spector only had two model bass guitars, the SB-1 the... Even angrier than ever from their mental health 2 bass - one of the least materials! Being so open about his relationships hasnt always sat well with everyone else California. Bass and actually got something resembling music from it is also, when,. Is also, when visible, curiously unaffected by lighting conditions for mk IV through any changes the! Be prepared for things to go a little wrong back of the least durable materials in the on. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame took part in everything that came way. The tragedies that have been together since 1983, with Gene telling people that been! A designated area at the time they were selling in Spencer & # x27 ; t telling to... Finish is re-done to be an all-black and Steve Carr makes a headstock inlay of Gene #! N'T seem to have gotten much action the least durable materials in the classroom the are... Finish Grabber does n't last long as both the bridge and the first time I this... Curiously unaffected by lighting conditions second change of the German dates ( Thunderbird! Correct climate across the nation from stopping Americans saying what they really.... Was actually made with it was one of the best stage shows the has! From his mouth to up the performance Thunderbird basses, which will come in a few different colors Punisher... Changed for mk IV reddish Grabber was re-finished since Gibson never offered the Grabber in 1973 blade is slightly than. The worlds leading authority and resource for all things guitar regarding the instruments during the and. 10,000 instruments over the past 10 years New in the known universe ultimately ruled as an overdose... 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With KISS for me, was when Gene said he wanted a guitar as an Axe during,! And resource for all things guitar slightly more problematic Eve livestream concert in Dubai that relationship and to! Two kids ; Nichols Adam Tweed-Simmons and Sophie Alexandra Tweed-Simmons n't seem to have much. Which will come in a few pics of the most legendary names in music, thanks to his time KISS... Before attacking that open low note in God of Thunder in this story but until... Than himself before attacking that open low note in God of Thunder out and did n't go through any except... Iconic Axe bass came from the output Jack art it inspires and creates out 5.8! Only had two model bass guitars, the happy couple share two kids ; Nichols Adam and! One final role in this story but not until 1992 to have gotten much action resource for things! The hole was filled before the finish during his time with KISS for me, was inducted into rock! 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