(by Bill France for DeuceNews)

I have been a huge KISS fan as long as I can remember. Like many of you, Gene Simmons was my hero. I remember teachers asking me in grade school what I wanted to be when I grew up. I never missed a beat in saying "Gene Simmons." He had the coolest costumes and by far, the coolest guitar on the planet. I remember making myself one out of plywood when I was in grade school and carrying it around my fourth grade Halloween costume parade. (see pic) There's nothing like that Axe bass. About a decade ago, a limited run of the Axe bass was sold through Spencer's. I was not lucky enough to get one. I knew a guy who had one. He used to send me pics of it but that was about as close I ever got. I had even resorted to watching buy and sell sites like E-bay in the hopes of finding myself a good second hand copy. Then one day I stumbled across this website on the net www.genesimmonsaxebass.com. Gene was offering a limited number of the guitars to fans on this current U.S. tour. Not only could you get a brand new Axe bass, he would personalize it to you AND he would meet you on the tour and present it to you. I couldn't believe it! This was way beyond buying a guitar...this was a "once in a lifetime event" and "tailored made just for me." So I packed up and headed to Nashville for KISS' concert on Oct. 28th at the Sommet Center (seven hour drive).

After I checked into the hotel, we headed down to the arena and stumbled upon the Axe Tour Bus. I took some pictures, found a place for lunch, went back to the room and got ready for the show. When I went back down the streets were packed with fans. Many wearing the trademark KISS war paint and costumes. I called Paul, not Stanley, Hayeland, the guy who had setup the meet and greet and he told me to come onboard the bus. So in the sea of people, many posing by the bus for pictures, the door swings open and I step inside. There was another guy inside who had flown in from New York to see the show and pick his Axe from Gene. We hung out in the bus. Paul telling stories about Gene, being on the road and filming Family Jewels. Then another guy showed up with his family. They came on board the bus filled out some paperwork and we were off to the concert with one big difference. Paul was leading the way holding a brand new Axe bass over his head so we could follow him through the crowd. Fans gasped and reacted as the guitar passed them. We slowly made our way through the crowd zig zagging in and out rows and aisles till we made it to the front row on the stage left side. After getting clearance from security, Paul directed us down another hallway to a waiting room. I happened to notice a couple papers on the desk. One was a set list from that night's show. The second was an itinerary for the band. When they needed to do this, what time they needed to do that. After a short time, we were taken down another hallway. The band was busy with the KISS meet and greets, but we were walking right passed their dressing rooms.

We walked about 20 feet passed the dressing rooms into another hall and the door was shut. We hung out for awhile getting to know each other and waiting to meet the man, the myth, the legend himself Gene Simmons. I kept playing posing with the Axe. It was like being a kid again. We got to see Tommy down the hall talking to Doc, we also got to hear Paul and a few other members warming up their pipes singing an acappella version of ‘Say Yeah’ from Sonic Boom. Which was a real highlight for me. The harmonies were tight, and sounded great! Then the door swung open and here come the Demon himself. You watch these guys all your life onstage and in videos but nothing can compare to seeing them in the flesh, walk directly toward you. Gene was upbeat and friendly. He joked and smiled and was very more like the guy you know from Family Jewels and less like the stage stalking demon. His look was larger than life. The armor shined, the makeup was spot-on perfect and he was towering in his dragon head boots. He took time to give autographs to all of us and pose for pictures. I was the last one to get pictures and an autograph. As Gene was being directed down the hall and toward the stage he did offer his apologies for not having more time. There was no need. I had just realized a childhood dream. I had the chance to meet my hero. A day I would not soon forget. Thanks for everything Gene!