Of the billions of humans who have walked the earth, there’s only 10 who can stake claim to being part of the hottest band in the world. Of those 10, 2 have since passed away (Eric Carr and Mark St. John). To say it was an honor and a privilege to sit down with legendary KISS axeman Bruce Kulick would be an understatement. Kulick spent 12 years with the band, performing on several of their biggest hits. In this brand new interview, Kulick gives us an inside look on the “Crazy Crazy Nights” of KISS, as well as a glimpse into the future.
Who were your favorite guitarists growing up? Was there any one guitarist in particular who made you realize music was your calling?
Bruce Kulick: I loved The Beatles, then all the great bands from the British Invasion. Bands like Cream with Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin with Jimmy Page, and of course Jimi Hendrix. He really turned my head inside out. I would say all of them were a big inspiration.
I recently revisited the classic Animalize Live Uncensored VHS and realized that the 70s songs are played a key higher and double the tempo than the original recordings. Was this done to tailor the songs towards the 80s metal audience/sound?
BK: Not really double the tempo, but WAY TOO FAST. I’m not certain why the band was turbo charging the tempos! Changing the key to standard tuning or half step down, I am also not certain why when I joined it was in standard. Maybe they felt that would make the music more 80’s. I’m not so sure it made sense.
During the Asylum tour, KISS played a show on Easter Sunday 1986 at the Hammond Civic Center in Hammond, Indiana. Reportedly, you were met by a group of Christian protesters and legend has it the band was so loud, you blew out the arena windows. What are your memories of this show and is there any truth to the windows legend?
BK: No memory of blowing windows out at an arena, but I am impressed with that story! Sadly, KISS was a threat to some religious groups. Compared to other bands, I think it was very unfounded.
Another rumor I’ve heard is that “Boomerang” was supposed to be part of an aborted KISS speed/thrash metal album that was pushed in part by Eric Carr who was influenced by Anthrax. What’s the story behind that song and is there any truth to that rumor?
BK: I came up with that song and Gene liked the vibe. It was never something for a thrash album, just uptempo riffs, double bass drums, and a bit manic. Eric did enjoy playing drums with those driving beats.
I always loved the design of the multi swirl guitar you played during the Asylum era. How did that guitar come to be?
BK: It was actually Paul’s idea to try a finish like that. And ESP did a fantastic job. The limited number of replica ESP/LTD Multi-Swirl guitars I am offering every 6 months or so of them sell out fast. I am happy to have that finish associated with me.
You wrote songs with both Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. What were their songwriting approaches and how were they different and/or alike?
BK: Both are so creative and work differently. Gene will experiment and try many different approaches to a riff or song if he likes it. Paul is very instinctual to what he likes or doesn’t. If he “hears” it the way he likes, he dives in and makes it his own. He won’t experiment as extremely as Gene might. He knows what he wants, and makes it happen quickly. And then it’s a KISS song.
KISS made many classic music videos during your time with the band. Which is your favorite and why?
BK: I do like “Who Wants to Be Lonely” and “Unholy”. Very different, but I think the video direction and my participation was strong. So I liked being featured a bit!
What was your favorite song to play live with KISS every night?
BK: Hard question, and many were fun. I loved “I Love it Loud”, and “Detroit Rock City” was always cool to play.
Its been 10 years since your last solo album, BK3, which featured some awesome collaborations with John Corabi, Steve Lukather, and even a reunion with Gene. Can we expect a new solo album in the future?
BK: I want to do music with the guys that I performed with on the KISS Kruise VIII and IX. Todd Kerns is a great singer and guitarist, and bassist Zach Throne sings and plays great too. Brent Fitz plays drums fantastically and they are all very musical, and very professional. We are working on some music this fall.
On last year’s KISS Kruise, Paul Stanley announced the last KISS show ever was set for July 17, 2021 in New York City. He’s also gone on record to invite all former members to partake in the show. While I think it’s safe to say this final show will now take place in 2022 due to the current circumstances, will you take part in this event when it occurs?
BK: I do think the date will be pushed into 2022. I do think I will be involved, but don’t truly know anything about it other than it should be a very special evening.
For more information on Bruce Kulick, visit his website at www.BruceKulick.com