Gene Simmons talks up KISS axe guitar controller

Mike Bantick
Tuesday, 10 March 2009 05:44

Your IT - Entertainment

Legendary KISS bassist, Gene Simmons has but exercising his famous tongue on the eve of launching a guitar controller for Guitar Hero and Rock Band.  Hopefully the axe shaped guitar will come with a wig and face make-up included.

I knew a guy, back in the seventies that cut out a stencil in the shape of the KISS logo.  Put it on his bare chest and then sunbaked in the cancer causing Australian sun for a couple of hours.  The result was a pasty white impression (he was too young for a tattoo) of his devotion to a band that where mega-huge at the time.

I know another man that owns a mansion in the hills, with an entire room devoted to KISS paraphernalia.  Pinball machine, dolls, records and even a KISS themed motor bike fill its expanse.

Now folks such as these can add a Gene Simmons replica game controller to their burgeoning collections.

“I never do anything half way. My AXE controller is the closest thing you can have to being onstage in KISS. I created and designed the Gene Simmons AXE bass guitar and I can’t wait for the fans to experience it for themselves", said Gene Simmons. “The Gene Simmons AXE guitar is such a recognisable symbol - people have been asking for a gaming replica ever since Guitar Hero was first introduced.”

Gene Simmons joined with Interactive Game Group, LLC to create the Gene Simmons AXE guitar controller for Guitar Hero and Rock Band video games.

Commenting on developing the guitar, Interactive Game Group Founder, Fred Chesnais said, “Gene Simmons is the Rock Lord and the Gene Simmons AXE bass guitar is an integral part of his signature look. Bringing this Axe controller to life was an incredible journey, and I am sure every player will enjoy it”.

According to publisher Atari:  This fully equipped, axe-shaped guitar controller is a replica of the KISS bassist and vocalist’s signature bass guitar. The AXE controller is personally certified by the Rock God himself, Gene Simmons, to give you that Rock Star experience.  The wireless AXE guitar controller is a three-quarter-sized replica of the original Gene Simmons AXE guitar and larger than the standard video game guitar controllers. Customized with a replicated paint finish of the original guitar, the Axe guitar controller features Gene Simmons autograph and his photo in make-up painted onto the body of the controller.

The first AXE video game controller brought to the market is compatible with Guitar Hero and Rock Band video games for Nintendo Wii, PlayStation  2 and 3.

The Axe Guitar is due for release in April 2009.