Bruce Kulick
Kulick.net
As you all know, after my journeys to NYC and Brazil it was time to jump right into Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp. Always fun, this one was particularly exciting because of two factors. First, the Playboy Mansion was where the big event night for the final performances would be held. Second, naturally for me to have Paul Stanley as the headline guest has its significance. I always enjoy jamming and seeing him, and my
campers were especially excited as we prepared a medley of KISS hits, along with a Van Halen tune.
First day of camp was jamming with all the campers, then I got to work with my band, Electric Angel, as we had to play at Guitar Center Hollywood after only a few hours of rehearsal. We prepared “Strutter,” which gave me a chance to feature my three guitarists. Later that night Guitar Center showed off the amazing Gibson ES 335 from Eric Clapton’s Cream days, as well as his famous Fender “Blackie” Stratocaster. To have them up close on display along with one of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s guitars was quite a treat. After that presentation, all the bands played a tune. We did good with “Strutter” and I knew we would be learning more tunes for the big Playboy Mansion Party performance.
Friday we took apart “Deuce,” and that was fun listening to some of the different live versions on my iPod to properly hear the parts of the song so my mini guitar army could reproduce that KISS sound. Next we learned “Ain’t Talking Bout Love,” by Van Halen, as one of my guitar players was not only a KISS freak but a big Van Halen fan. His guitar was white with stripes like Eddie’s.
I knew we would do a medley, taking one song into another, so “Love Gun” was next to learn. We already knew “Strutter,” so by Friday night we had a nice medley of 4 tunes. Paul was to visit and sit in with the band on Saturday morning. After some crazy jamming in my room on Friday night, which included Francis, Paul’s guitar tech on drums and vocals, I got much needed rest for the big Saturday ahead.
I woke up the next morning and realized we have the WRONG song to end our set. My band was to perform last since my singer picked number 11 out of the hat. So I made the decision while walking my dog Joe that “Shout It Out Loud” would be the closer. Obviously the pressure was on! I gave out the parts to the band, and we were jamming on it in time to have Paul sit in with our entire set of tunes. Having Paul walk in, plug in an incredible looking Gibson Les Paul Reissue and start “Deuce” had my campers freaking out! We played well, and after the 10 minute medley Paul signed and took photos. I should add my friend Eric Singer came along with Paul to all the rooms, and he surprised me when I first saw him!
Then it was off to the Playboy Mansion with much anticipation. Of course the property is quite beautiful, and you knew this was gonna be a wild party as soon as the “talent” started showing up… and I don’t mean the camper bands! There were tons of hot women everywhere, and soon the drinks and food starting coming along with all the guests of the Mansion. Tours were given (I will do that next time), and friends of mine showed up that I didn’t know were on the list – who doesn’t want to see the famous house Hef built an empire from?!
After a while it was time to get the bands playing, and it was fun to see all the groups perform. Paul Stanley played guitar will all of them, which was fun to see. Eric was hanging by the stage along with Francis, as that’s where the lingerie girls kept coming on and off the stage! Some bands had hot chicks getting on stage with them (reminded me of “Take It Off”), between the bands some girls where modeling awesome lingerie outfits, and there was also a sweet swimsuit contest!
There was a brief break in the set, and that’s when the Grotto was full of naked girls. Nice, and typical Playboy. My girlfriend Lisa and I talked to a few of the models there, and for most of them it was their first time there… and they loved it as well. Everyone clearly was having a great time at the Mansion. Finally it was time for Electric Angel to hit the stage. We did great, and Paul actually stayed on stage for the medley as he certainly knew all the tunes. Of course I was exhausted by this point, and after a short counselor jam it was time to get home and rest.
I know it was a big success, and I am happy that the Mansion does some special events like the Fantasy Camp. I am sure there will be more in the future. Thank you to all my friends and fellow counselors who worked so hard on making the camp great, and a special thanks to Eric Singer for coming by and hanging all day and jamming too.
Definitely a camp I will not forget anytime soon!
All the best,
