News Archive October 2010

Bruce Kulick Talks About KISS
From: suite101.com
by Adrian Peel
Posted: October 16, 2010

Famed for their make-up, outlandish attire and elaborate live shows, KISS remains one of the most iconic rock outfits of all time.

Formed in 1973 by bassist/vocalist, Gene Simmons, vocalist/guitarist, Paul Stanley, lead guitarist, Ace Frehley and drummer, Peter Criss, the band, with various line-up changes, has continued to thrive ever since.

KISS "Unmasked"

In 1983, KISS - at the time consisting of Simmons, Stanley, Vinnie Vincent (who had taken over lead guitar duties from Ace Frehley in 1982) and drummer, Eric Carr (the replacement for original sticksman, Peter Criss in 1980) - famously "unmasked" live on MTV.

The group would continue to play in this stripped-down state throughout the 1980s and '90s until the four founding members re-applied their make-up and very publicly got back together in 1996.

Joining KISS

Vinnie Vincent left amid controversy in 1984, with the lead guitar spot then being occupied for a very short time by the late Mark St. John, who, due to health reasons, was subsequently replaced by Brooklyn-native, Bruce Kulick - all within the same year.

Kulick would remain with the group until Simmons and Stanley reunited with Frehley and Criss 12 years later.

"I never thought it would last as long as my 12 years did," says Bruce today. "I helped them on a few songs for the Animalize album and then when Mark St. John got ill, I filled in till 1996."

Suite 101: Had you always been a fan?

"I wasn't a typical fan - more respectful of their career."

KISS in the 1980s and '90s

Suite 101: What are your fondest memories of your time with KISS?

"For me, playing Madison Square Garden in NYC, big festivals in Europe, and MTV Unplugged were just some of the highlights. I can never forget some of those shows."

Suite 101: Which were your favourite songs/albums/videos on which you played? Any amusing stories from the road?

"I thought the Revenge album was amazing, and loved some of the other highlights like Tears Are Falling, Forever,Crazy Crazy Nights etc. The road was always fun. I felt like I was in The Beatles when we went to Scandinavia!"

Suite 101: How do you think the unmasked period will be remembered in years to come?

"I do think there are MANY fans of the unmasked era. I meet and hear from them all the time!"

All-Time Favourite KISS Songs

Suite 101: What are your all-time favourite KISS songs, albums and videos?

"The songs above for sure, and I did enjoy some classics, like Do You Love Me, 100,000 Years, She and Watchin' You - just to mention a few."

Artistic Freedom

As the two ever-present members from KISS's inception to the present day, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have been the constant driving force behind the band, as well as its undisputed leaders.

What was Bruce's relationship with them like and was he allowed creative freedom within the group?

"I got along with them," he replies. "I knew of course Gene and Paul would play the leader role, but we all worked hard and, for the most part, had a great time gigging and touring. I did have artistic freedom, but I had to earn it."

Suite 101: What are your recollections of the late Eric Carr (Carr died of heart cancer in 1991 - his place behind the drums being taken by Eric Singer)?

"Eric is missed. He was my closest friend in the band, and what a terrific, funny, talented man."

1996 KISS Reunion

In 1996, the four original members of KISS appeared together for the first time in over 15 years at the 38th Grammy Awards. They were brought out, dressed in full 1970s get-up, by rapper, 2Pac, to present the award for best pop performance by a duo or group, which, incidentally, went to Hootie & the Blowfish for Let Her Cry.

Suite 101: How did you first hear that Gene and Paul were getting back with Ace and Peter?

"Gene and Paul had a meeting during Carnival of Souls with Eric Singer and I explaining the offers for a reunion tour."

Perfect Choice

The highly-lucrative tour lasted until 2001, when Peter Criss, apparently unhappy with his salary, left the band. He returned in 2002 and then left again for good in 2004. His replacement on both occasions was his predeccesor in the early '90s incarnation of KISS, Eric Singer, who continues to wear Criss's "Catman" make-up on stage.

Ace Frehley quit the group in 2002, believing that their 2000/2001 Farewell Tour would be their last. Although Criss had been replaced by Singer, Bruce Kulick was not called upon to take Ace's place. That honour went instead to Tommy Thayer, who has been inhabiting Ace's "Spaceman" character since 2002.

"I was not surprised," observes Bruce, commenting on why he wasn't asked back to the fold after Ace had left. "Tommy was the perfect choice for the 'Spaceman' position in KISS."

KISS and Bruce Today

There has been a lot of controversy, particularly among members of the KISS Army, over Thayer and Singer dressing like Frehley and Criss.

Suite 101: Do you think it's right they're doing that, Bruce, or should they come up with new designs?

"Yes and no. Of course the make-up for all the members is iconic now. So to change them and come up with new ones, I don't think that's the right answer. They are playing and performing great."

Bruce, meanwhile, continues to tour and record - both as a solo artist and with other bands - and, since 2000, has been a full-time member of Grand Funk Railroad.

"I do many types of gigs and sessions," says Bruce of his current projects, "but this summer was full of Grand Funk shows.

Otherwise I still promote my solo disc, BK3, that came out this year, I have been involved in some Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camps, and have done some session work as well in the past few months.

Grand Funk Railroad is a great band and it is now 10 years!"

"The Dog"

To this day, despite the success of the unmasked era, KISS are still best-known for their "alter-egos" - their alternative personas, reflected in extravagant outfits and face-paint - designed to fully encapsulate the members' individual personalities.

Simmons was "The Demon," Stanley "The Star Child," Frehley (and Thayer) "The Spaceman," Criss (and Singer) "The Catman," Eric Carr "The Fox" and Vinnie Vincent "The Ankh Warrior."

Was Bruce ever asked to come up with his own idea for a character, just in case the group decided to go back to wearing make-up?

"No," he laughs, "But I joke I would be 'The Dog.' There's a Cat, right?!"