The guy who redefined the term “guitar licks,” Mr. Tongue himself, is angling for a taste of the music video game pie.

Kiss guitarist Gene Simmons has put his face and name on a new ax-shaped guitar controller for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 versions of “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band. The controller, selling for $79.99, becomes available at HipStreetOnline.com starting Saturday, Nov. 15.

Called the AXE, this controller is a three-quarter-size replica of the original AXE and is slightly larger than the average video game guitar. Painted on the face are Simmons’ makeup-caked mug and a replica of his signature.

The AXE sports a wireless range of up to 30 feet and, according to the news announcement, has “fortified components for added control and durability” — a very good thing in case playing “Lick It Up” makes you want to slam it against a chair.

AXE guitars for the Nintendo Wii version of “Guitar Hero” will be made available Dec. 1, and for Wii’s “Rock Band” on Jan. 31. A version for Xbox 360 is pending, though a release date has not been announced.