GENE SIMMONS Offers Fans Chance To Own His Signature Axe Bass Guitar

Gene Simmons, co-founder of the legendary KISS, has announced fans will be able to get their own licks in with the purchase of a limited and personally signed edition of the Gene Simmons Axe Bass.
Rock Star gallery in Scottsdale Arizona, which specializes in music collectibles and celebrity fine art, will host a meet-and-greet on November 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for fans who purchase Gene's Axe Bass. It will be private and refreshment will be served.

Created by a true music visionary, Simmons has invented the ultimate memorabilia in a one-of-a-kind collector's edition instrument that is personally hand numbered and signed by Gene Simmons himself. And every purchase of the Gene Simmons Axe Bass will also include a meet-and-greet with Simmons, at Rock Star gallery 15220 N. Scottsdale Road suite 160 Scottsdale, Az. 85254 in Kierland Commons.

"The Gene Simmons Axe Bass is, by some accounts a piece of art — numbered and signed by myself... but in other ways, is simply my instrument of choice in KISS. The bass that slays them all..." says Simmons.

Fans can reserve and submit an order of the Axe Bass by calling Rock Star gallery, 480-275-4501 or email [email protected]. The fans will then be able to attend the private meet-and-greet the evening before the concert on November 30. This meet-and-greet with Simmons will include him personally handing the Axe Bass to the buyer and autographing it for them. There will also be photo opportunities.

The KISS concert in Phoenix on December 1 is part of the 2009 KISS tour, a legendary trek across to America to deliver songs off the critically acclaimed, much-awaited new "Sonic Boom" CD, the first new KISS studio album release in over a decade.

The official Gene Simmons Axe tour bus will shadow the KISS tour covering more than 45 dates across the U.S. and Canada. Gene will arrive at Rock Star gallery in the Axe Tour Bus for the meet-and-greet and it may be featured in the upcoming season of Simmons' hit A&E reality show, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels".

"You could also play this bass on any stage in the world because it's better than anything out there," he says.

The rocker has only this Axe to grind when it comes to this special bass guitar with its unique design and unique, loud sound. The limited edition and numbered silver metallic with a black burst was personally created by Simmons who approved the electronics, the body type, design and even handpicked the wood. The fingerboard is made from Indian Rosewood and each Axe Bass comes with a case that is also designed and hand painted by Simmons.

Simmons owns the trademark to the word "Axe" and has for over 25 years. He also owns the trademark to the distinctive Axe shape of the bass.

"I've used the Axe on stage and literally thousands of people have contacted me to ask, 'Where can I get one? Gene, I need one right now. Can I buy your bass?'

"So, I've made a limited number of the basses, and since this has been announced, the results have been on the tsunami level," Simmons says.

Fans are encouraged to call as soon as possible as there are only a limited number and over 60% are already sold.

Rock Star gallery, located in Scottsdale Arizona, is the perfect venue for this event. Michael Dunn, owner of the gallery, is honored to host Gene Simmons and his fans. "Growing up KISS was THE BAND. The uniqueness of this group is unparallel to any other. Gene Simmons cares about his fans and we will make this a night to remember," Dunn says.

The Rock Star gallery features custom-framed, hand-signed collectibles from KISS, LED ZEPPELIN, THE EAGLES and many more. Celebrity artwork is also featured from Ronnie Wood, Grace Slick, Stephen Holland, Sebastian Kruger and more.

"We help people experience probably the best time in their life with their favorite music and art. Purchasing the Simmons Axe Bass is a rare opportunity for the ultimate guitar and KISS fan," Dunn says.

As KISS fans have known for years, Simmons doesn't just do things in a quiet way. Forget the concept of plunking down a credit card and receiving your Axe Bass from the UPS man. Fans will have a unique experience with the rock icon at the meet-and-greet.

Gene will be doing local radio interviews prior to the meet-and-greet.

Simmons says that the Axe Bass is a gift to his loyal fans.

"I owe the fans everything because they made my life possible," Simmons says. "When I was growing up, I was never able to get a piece of THE BEATLES. They weren't available, but they were still Mt. Olympus to me.

"This Axe Bass is just as special for me and the fans," Simmons says.

"You may not be able to be Gene Simmons," he says. "But you can feel like me, with my Gene Simmons Axe Bass slung over your shoulder."

For more information, visit www.genesimmonsaxebass.com.