Gene Simmons of Kiss records voice for "SpongeBob SquarePants"

Kiss singer-bassist Gene Simmons has sunk to a new depth -- he and his long-time partner Shannon Tweed have joined the underwater gang in Bikini Bottom on the Nickelodeon animated series SpongeBob SquarePants. Simmons and Tweed recently went to the Nicktoons Studios in Burbank, California, to record themselves for an episode titled "20,000 Patties Under The Sea." Simmons plays the Sea Monster, who is insulted by evil character Plankton and who is then fed Krabby Patties to keep him calm by main characters SpongeBob and Patrick. Tweed plays the Sea Monster's mother, who comes to her son's defense.

Simmons said, "I was born for this part. I've been waiting all my life to be a Sea Monster. It's in my blood. It's what I do. It's my job. SpongeBob is jealous, as well he should be. I was brilliant." The episode will air next year.

The pair was accompanied by a crew from the Family Jewels reality TV series, and footage from the session will be included in the show's upcoming second season.