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Extremely in-depth Bruce Kulick interview from KISS Army Finland

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Marko Syrjala

BRUCE KULICK

INTERVIEW AND LIVE PICTURES BY MARKO SYRJALA

Like all his fellow musicians, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick had to take a break from touring and many other activities in 2020 because of the ongoing pandemic. There was no Grand Funk Railroad summer tour, KISS Kruise was canceled, and the list goes on. On a personal side, Bruce suffered a huge loss last May when his big brother Bob Kulick died unexpectedly at the age of 70. Despite everything, the man has remained positive and active. Bruce has been working on new music for his upcoming album. He was also a guest on Ace Frehley’s ORIGINS VOL 2, released in the fall, and he has worked with his wife Lisa and multi-instrumentalist Todd Kerns on several projects, including the KISSmas Masquerade live stream show just one day before this interview. Here we go!

WHAT’S GOING ON?

First of all, I was delighted to see you back in action yesterday, in the KISSmas Masquerade show. When was the last time you played live before this?

Bruce Kulick: Actually, a Grand Funk Show in March. You know, like March 7 or something like that? I flew home, seventh or eighth. I was aware that something could happen then because I have a good friend in China. And he was warning me, you know? And we see the rest. Within that week, it was like, “There you go.” You know? Upside down.

Yeah [laughs], okay. You’ve been playing guitar professionally for over 40 years, almost 50 years. But now, after such a long pause, what was it like to get back on stage in front of an audience, even if the people were now behind the screen?

Bruce Kulick: Well, I have to admit, even though there was just Lisa in the living room, it did feel like a real gig. I have to say. And the rehearsals were fun because I had not, I mean, Lisa and I were doing things, especially during the lockdown. And that’s always fun, and actually, I had more time to do things with her. Because we were both stuck at home, and I’ve always wanted to do things with her. And knowing that I couldn’t, there’s no Grand Funk gigs; everything was postponed. No KISS Kruise. Everything’s postponed, you know. But actually, just having taught over to rehearse, that felt really great. It just was very musical. And it’s always fun to collaborate with somebody, go over arrangements and endings, and work on parts and all that. And then, of course, we won over when Lisa joined us. So, I actually did feel like I had a small combo in my home. Cause we’ve been very careful in taking the virus seriously, and we’ve only had repair people, or only when there was a business thing. There was a couple of times when someone had a– regarding private signings, where we’re able to interact safely, and I could sign the stuff that would be shipped to the customers. But I haven’t– gone anywhere outside of– I just haven’t done anything socially, or musically, outside of my wife before Todd entered. And I think all of you know how busy I decided to make myself. Because without the gigs, I had more time to explore some things that are related to my career, especially, of course, my KISS connections, you know? And honestly, typically, someone argued for a guitar session, I’d have a friend to go to. And typically, if I had a– if I needed a video done or something, for promotion, I’d ask the friend to help out. And now I’m doing it all myself. And I had to learn that. And that was interesting and frustrating at times and very rewarding as well. So, this whole period, I’ve– I’ve been doing as much I can– and you know me pretty well? “Laughs”

Yeah. I think so,” Laughs.”

Bruce Kulick: You know that I always have somebody helping me and handling my business and stuff when needed. But I do like to manage as much as I can on my own. But I have– I realized I couldn’t delegate everything. And the more that I come to learn and do, the better it would be because then my vision would really be there. You know what I mean? Things like learning how to use iMovie, learning how to use GarageBand to record become another tool for me to promote myself and work on my creativity.

 

That’s great. Actually, one of your fans in Finland wanted to ask the following. He has noticed that you have finally started learning these new recording techniques. You may have already tested Pro Tools, maybe Logic, or something else. So, have you already found new ways to use and take advantage of these technologies?

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