KISSOnline has issued the following report, courtesy of Jay Aceved:

GENE SIMMONS joined with Interactive Game Group, LLC to create the Gene Simmons AXE guitar controller for the Guitar Hero and Rock Band videogame franchises.

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 players 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.

On the heels of his first foray into videogame controllers based on his axe-shaped bass guitar, Gene Simmons has a lot to say about it.

“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 recognizable symbol - people have been asking for a gaming replica ever since Guitar Hero was first introduced.”

The AXE video game controller brought to the market is compatible with Guitar Hero and Rock Band video games for PlayStation 2 and for the PlayStation 3 . It is available now retailing for $79.99. An exclusive controller, compatible with PlayStation 2 and 3 as well as with Nintendo Wii™, is also available retailing also for $79.99.

But wait, there’s more! Players that buy a guitar controller before December 15th, 2008, have a chance to win a guitar controller signed by Gene Simmons himself!

For additional information, please visit genesimmonsaxeguitar.com.