Axe Bass Electric Formerly Owned by Gene Simmons

This axe shaped bass guitar was formerly used by Gene Simmons (b. 1949), co-founder and musician of the rock band KISS. This instrument was used on the band’s Creatures of the Night / 10th Anniversary tour.  

Famous for the members’ extraordinary face paint and stage costumes, each band member selected a stage character, reflected in their adornment choices. Simmon’s persona, Demon, included wing-like eye makeup and was influenced by the Marvel comic book character Black Bolt. Simmons is credited with the design of the axe-shaped guitar, and he worked with renowned luthier Steve Carr to prototype and fabricate it.  

Formed in New York City in 1973, KISS was founded by Paul Stanley (vocals and guitar), Gene Simmons (vocals and bass), Ace Frehley (vocals and lead guitar), and Peter Criss (vocals and drums). Alongside the memorable stage costumes, KISS was known for their live performances, often including grand pyrotechnics, blood-spitting and fire breathing. Ten years after their formation, the band started performing without make-up and their signature costumes, starting the band’s “unmasked era” that lasted over a decade. The band would have different members over the years, with Stanley and Simmons as the only consistent members. KISS has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.