It’s not often that Carlton players turn to hero worshipping . . . but that’s exactly what happened at MC Labour Park on Friday when Kiss’ legendary front man Gene Simmons hit the joint.

Gene, minus the facepaint, was in town with his extensive entourage of cameramen, sound recorders and gophers who filmed him mixing with the Blue boys on the ground and in the dressing room for an upcoming episode of his hit series Gene Simmons Family Jewels, to go to air in the United States later this year.

Gene, a fit and firing 58, had a friendly kick with the likes of Jarrad Waite, Clinton Benjamin, David Ellard, Kade Simspon and Jordan Bannister, at one point asking: “Who was the guy who came up with the idea of making a round ball pointy?”

Later he inquired about the identity of the bloke with the distinctive beard, long hair and headband, whose photograph graces the wall of the dressing room – none other than the legendary Carlton defender, Bruce Doull.

Simmons happily posed with any player wanting to jump into the frame with him – and there were many, from Brendan Fevola, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs through to Michael Shields and the usually camera-shy O’hAilpin brothers.

Simmons’ legendary tongue even emerged, on request from a member of the captive audience.

Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels, featuring the Carlton Football Club, is expected to screen on Fox 8 in Melbourne later this year.