View Larger Image Gene Simmons registers a first patent for his Axe bass On 18. March 1980, Gene Simmons registered a first patent for his Axe bass. It shows a very rough drawing of the Axe. Related Posts:Kiss tapes the Tomorrow Show with Tom SnyderKiss post ads looking for lead guitaristGene Simmons flying on stage for the first timeKiss put their blood in the comic book inkKiss plays their first live showGene Simmons using the prototype "Dynasty" costume live