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]. After all, his stage show is often filled with performances of him showing off his impressive tongue skills and has been argued as one of the most iconic poses of all times. The problems with the bridge above promted another change. For the better part of the Spirit Tour '76 the LoBue retains the mk VI look. We'll let him know. 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. - Bass Certificate of authenticity signed by Gene Simmons. Its one thing to be in a band. Some time in November mk VII shows up. Guitar World is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. 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. The pickup is still the original one as we can see from the lovely closeups. Apparently, Gene wanted to sue everyone who shared copyrighted files, something that saw his site get taken down by Anonymous. After being on a breif hiatus the Thunderbird returned to the Gibson catalogue in 1976 for the Bicentennial. Would you believe that hes been building a business empire for himself since he was back in college? However, Gene Simmons had his own views on it all and they werent very popular. Gene has gone through quite a few different basses over the years. The studs are not glued or otherwise mounted directly on the body of the bass. tour. Kiss legend Gene Simmons fondly recalls the days when a fledgling Rush would regularly play support to the panstick-sporting rockers. Wherever the LoBue eventually ended up it is one of the great lost treasures of KISStory, one that deserves enshrinment. My reference points were people like Paul McCartney. 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. Since this part relies entirely on picture evidence of miniscule details clicking the individual pictures below will bring up higher-res images. It looks as though Gene Simmons has plenty of opinions that he wants to share with the world, but not all of them have landed. John Lennon's Gibson J-160E went for $2.4 million at Julien's Auctions in 2015. 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 . It was a stab at the more affordable market then dominated by Fender so it was a straight-forward instrument without fancy inlays and with controls and pickups mounted on the scratchplate. Spector #2 was also a part of the traveling circus that was The Return of KISS but it doesn't seem to have gotten much action. And for the Valdez Axe that's all she wrote. Below are a couple of pics from rehearsals and the early part of the tour. There was suppose to be 1,000 . 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. 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). Sadly, things didnt quite work out for the star. 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. That was until a friend suggested Gene get in touch with the singers best friend to try and find a Christmas present. Nah Gene Simmons is a dick, and his bass lines are sometimes very simple, but he has this cool running bass thing going which is pretty unique and sounds cool. Sadly, Steve Carr passed away in 2006 which probably means that this part of the Axe story will forever be shrouded in mystery. 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. In 2017, Gene Simmons hit the headlines for something pretty controversial among the rock world. Shannon Tweed rose to fame as a Playboy model and actress before she met and wooed Gene at the Playboy Mansion. If I wanted to learn something from Gene Simmons it would be how to run a business and make money. In 1987 Gene turns up with what looks like a slightly altered version of the Jackson. First seen in Detroit on 78.01.20, these knobs will thankfully stay on for quite some time. Get the latest and greatest Guitar news with one of our guitar magazine subscriptions. Its difficult for me to walk past a mirror without stopping to say, yo, whats up?. I think that when it comes to Bass ( Which I play Bass and Guitar among other instruments! ) 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. Skip to main content. Search child forums as well That certainly would have been one way to get the kids listening. By Roy Kaddosh. It turns out Gene accidentally rubbed host Terry Gross up the wrong way during an interview with the star. First off there is no Thunderbird logo visible in the few pics showing the white pickguard version which means that it's probably a replacement. Strings - Lutes - Guitars. 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. This is not a traditional signature model arrangement. on August 28, 2019. The worlds leading authority and resource for all things guitar. There are people that want to leave a legacy and are concerned with what is said about them after theyre gone. 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. If the LoBue could be considered to have a long and complicated story then the tale of the Spectors is worthy of Sherlock Holmes. One can also see that the material under the studs is completely different from the rest of the bass. Princes cause of passing was ultimately ruled as an accidental overdose. Gene and his bass finally did part ways, though by all accounts he was reluctant to give it up. 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. 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. 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. 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. Although he's spent the last 50 years . 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 first change (mk II) is to simple clear lucite knobs with 1-10 numbers on them. One person in particular had plenty to say as Ice Cube took to social media, which started a pretty heated feud between the two. See the Pedulla section. However, there is a dark side of Gene Simmons that not many have learned about over the years. But did he ever imagine such a strange instrument would become as successful as it has? It looked as though he needed it as Genes outfit weighs quite a lot thanks to all those theatrical additions. That was until the wires got stuck and what was supposed to be a graceful rise into the air turned into something almost pretty dangerous. Before we move forward we need to take a step back (and get a little ahead of ourselves) and adress a slight "wrinkle" in the photos. That was until 2011 when Gene suddenly got down on one knee and decided to make things official. Metal, wood. 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. April 13, 2022. G, from Gene to Gibson, will introduce new collections of right and left-handed electric guitars and basses across . After the re-finish (more info below) the coverup disappears, most likely because the hole was filled before the finish was applied. 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. As a subscriber enjoy big savings off the shop price! Although I've found nothing to support this the general assumption among those who know far more about early Spectors than I seem to be that the pickup in the mk I was a Model 1. There is a photo as early as 77.08.19 in San Diego, CA that shows the white pickguard Thunderbird on stage during the pre-show setup. Over the group's 42 . Let's talk about your Axe basses. The G2 Thunderbird Bass is voiced with a pair of powerful T-Bird pickups, each with individual Volume controls and paired with a . You've written some truly timeless basslines over the years so what exactly is the Gene Simmons guide to finding the perfect part? The bass(es) were high-gloss black with white trim and a very distinct "point" on the back where the body finish met the unfinished neck (see further down). The bass icon on bass rigs, riches and 50 years of music. By the time we're through, there will be a Flying V, and there's even going to be a double-neck guitar and bass. 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. 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. Some of the modifications included a special gloss black paint job with white binding along the sides of the body. The body appears to be a slab style with a hint of a bevel on the "inside" of the horns (and possibly where Gene rests his arm; see below). The pair have been together since 1983, with Gene telling People that theyve been happily unmarried most of that time. Studio legend Carol Kaye gave KISS bassist Gene Simmons an impromptu bass lesson at Sunset Sound studios in Hollywood, and luckily cameras were rolling to catch it. This feels like a real Thunderbird and being handmade in the USA, it very much is one, with an incredibly resonant mahogany body. 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. Gene has claimed that he had it painted black before the start of the Alive! Oftentimes we find that ownership of an idea is just as important as the idea itself. Ice Cubes group, N.W.A., was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Roland 555 space/echo (for solo) controlled by manipulating the intensity and . John Lennon's Gibson J-160E Acoustic-Electric - $2.4 Million. 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? Hot on the heels of the announcement of Gibson's acquisition of Mesa/Boogie, the company has unveiled another new partnership, this time with Kiss bassist Gene Simmons. [***]. One of the least used basses in Gene's arsenal, the Gibson Les Paul Triumph doesn't appear in any live photographs from 1976. 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. Gene Simmons is a legendary rock icon and the bassist from KISS, and his new Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass reflects his tastes. Once the band starts making personell changes at the turn of the decade Gene moves to Spector #2 as his main bass. 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. 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. [*] 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". Oh no, its merely the number of categories that Kiss is now involved with. [*] Its first appearance is the photo shoot that was set up the day of the Return of KISS dressrehearsal, 79.06.14. After showing off a few licks, Simmons points out a particular passage he wants to learn, and Kaye obliges. Earliest known appearance of this version is 75.05.06 in Milwaukee, WI. 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. Exact year is unknown but Gibson transitioned to this body type in 1961. It has a 30" scale which matches that of the LoBue. Contact our experts for a recommendation of great alternatives. There are no actual live shots of the bass and after the promo videos it just disappears never to be seen again. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. But at the end of the day a guitar is just a tool to create art. The body is completely original but based on the concept of an old Gibson Melody Maker. 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. . Gene Simmons is one of the most legendary names in music, thanks to his time with Kiss. And the first time I used this was on New Year's Eve, Dubai, 2020. 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. I have yet to figure out what this bridge was. 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. Although he has a huge net worth and plenty of income from his Kiss brand, Gene Simmons isnt in the top richest people in the world. Gibson havent let themselves down here at all, with this review model feeling lighter than it looks. . 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. 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. Gene Simmons has occupied the public consciousness since 1973, when Kiss first burst into the scene. In the end the long-scale neck and the rather elaborate Q-system electronics probably proved unnecessary for Gene's no-frills style. But out of costume, the Kiss co-frontman is an equally commanding presence. 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. My theory is that this is the third Spector mentioned on the Spector web site (I will more or less ignore the all-black curiosity above for now). In fact, the rockstar went as far as it saw Mileys tongue was okay, but quickly put his foot in it with a few derogatory comments. Here we can see the outline of the tape coverup (check the full-size pic for better detail) for the last time. Instead, he decided to keep himself as healthy as possible as Gene told CNN that hes never even tried an adult beverage or taken any illegal substances. The rosewood fretboard and EB6 4-string bridge add clarity to the Gene Simmons Axe, so you get definition with each note you strike. [**] 1996 Guitars that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive! According to Steve Carr his first version of the Axe shown below was made for Gene in 1978 and even used for a few shows that year but no photographic evidence of that exists. A customized electric bass guitar - the "Gene Simmons Axe Bass" - was especially created for him by South Korean giant Cort. )Although not as obvious this is also seen in the pic from Toledo 76.07.30. The 1970s rock scene was one that had to be enjoyed to be believed. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.). The bass touts a mahogany body with a bolt on C shaped maple neck and rosewood fretboard with a 15 radius. In 1978 Gene recalled that: "[I used that bass] For about four years, until one night I threw it to my roadie. For many years, Simmons' primary . Pastorious,Wooten,Sheehan,Hamm,Graham,Johnson,Miller,and many other players through the years that had something I liked to form my own style of playing. A complete rundown of the various basses used by Gene Simmons of KISS 1973-1992. Along with the refinish the knobs were changed to match the new color. Its said that he would judge peoples intelligence depending on the noise it made. It was one of three designed in this configuration for Gene." He is the God Of Thunder, after all. I've scammed people all this time The world of Jean-Jacques Burnel. Alas, by mid-1977 the cherised LoBue's days are numbered. [*] 1996 Guitars that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive! Reports have varied throughout the years, but Gene is confident that hes been with thousands of partners. After that modification number two kicks in and we see another set of knobs. But, far be it from Gene to play an off-the-rack bass in standard configuration for long. The Vega wireless system is mentioned in KISS Alive Forever on p. 83. Exact year is unknown but Gibson transitioned to this body type in 1961. 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. 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. Kramer Aluminum Gene Simmons Axe Bass KISS 1980 Black & Gray Autographed by Gene Simmons and numbered w/OHSC, Serial No. 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). In the early-early years of KISS, he favored a Charlie LoBue bass ( photos ); this was a custom bass guitar made by Charlie. So much so that Gibson put out a demo vinyl record showcasing the various tones the system was capable of. This is where Gene's search for something very specific seems to start. The Kramer Axe was fine for playback but for one of very few live TV performances (the first one since 1974?) the #2 Spector got the nod. [*] 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. Maybe gross, maybe cool, but definitely profitable to Mr. Simmons with a starting price of $12,000 per bass. Now, 46 years later, he and Gibson are teaming up for G2, a new line of basses and guitars announced this past week during the NAMM conference. At the time Spector only had two model bass guitars, the SB-1 and the SB-2. 1979 saw the introduction of the Axe bass into Gene's repertoire and the beginning of a life-long association. The result? 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. Then came the aftermath. Realtor.com. It seems that Gene thinks its time for one genre in particular to disappear: rap. If Gene tried to use the Carr Axe live it probably turned out to be too heavy for use. Custom Charlie LoBue bass built for Gene Simmons of KISS. It turned out that Gene wasnt happy for a hip-hop group to get a spot in the hall his bands called home since 2014. 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. Malcolm Young more influential than EVH or Clapton? Considering that the mkI version had a single coil pickup (possibly a stacked humbucker) the third knob is somewhat of a mystery. Spector #2 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. The basic design of the bass has changed a little through the years and it's been made by several luthiers and companies. 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. 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. Note the original single coil pickup and the snug fit of the pickguard around the pickup in the picture on the right. In fact, it couldnt be further from the truth. 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. Great Eastern FX Co. Focus Fuzz review: The best of all possible fuzz worlds in a single box? As Simmons explains, because I owned the name and the design, it qualifies as an invention in the library of congress. This version of the bass was Gene's #1 bass more or less from 1973 until the summer of 1975 when he started altering it. That was until the scandal that rocked Nicks world in 2010. The Fender Jazz basses Ive used on some songs, but live, theyre too boomy. [*] The shape of the bass was indeed completely original in that it was custom shaped but it wasn't an original design. Although the world learned that things werent always smooth on their ride to the altar, the pair have been married ever since. Shannon Tweed - Now . At least, that is if you want to avoid a moment like Gene Simmons had at one of his live shows. 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. Nick also has some acting credits to his name. It's not shown in the tour book photos shot at SIR studios but instead makes its "proper" debut in the video for. "The first instruments are the Thunderbird basses, which will come in a few different colors. As with everything he does, Simmons has big plans . There are, to my knowledge, precious few pictures of Spector #2 in the Love Gun/Alive II costumes. What are you waiting for. The first known sighting of this bass is on 75.08.09 and it doesn't seem to survive 1975. None of the pre-1974 pics I've found suggest that the body was more than a slab-style with some rounding for the upper horns. Not only did Terry tell the rockstar that she thought it was a really obnoxious thing to say, but Gene initially refused to let the interview hit the air. 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. According to Gene "the original one was made by Valdez here in Los Angeles, and I still have it around here somewhere". (My original theory was that the blade was originally silver and refinished black but the dating of the photo shoots are well-established.) As far as video evidence goes it first appears in the opening credits of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park (see below). I think it's fair to say that Gene's techs have made quite imaginative use of simple black tape throughout the years. What is a guitar but a collection of wood, magnets and metals? (Plenty of 1980 shots are improperly labeled 1979 online. It's akin to a Thunderbird bridge but appears to be slightly larger. Gene Simmons: "Everything Vinnie Vincent did sounded like Yngwie Malmsteen on crack". See the latest gene simmons celebrity trends and reviews on PremierGuitar.com, the world's foremost authority on all things guitar and bass. Apparently, he wasnt impressed with someone so prominent sharing such questionable opinions. Stuart shaved down the normally bulbous horns of the SB-1 into points.". 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Of course, being so open about his relationships hasnt always sat well with everyone else. Sadly, neither relationship lasted for Gene. GS Backstage M&G Vampire Bass Pkg = $7495. Cause & Effects: Are vintage effects pedals always the best examples of their type. An erstwhile acquaintance of LoBue's who handled the bass in its mkVI incarnation in New Jersey 76.07.10 has suggested that almost all the modifications were done by Charlie or the Guitar Lab rather than Gene's tech. Call us at 800-449-9128. Greg Kennelty. 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?
John Thomas Sweeney Chef, Best Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeons In Massachusetts, D Samuelson Vaccines News Biography, Leyla Emmerdale Plastic Surgery, Can Dogs Be Allergic To Salmon, Articles G