Ace Frehley Names Best Guitarist Who Replaced Him in KISS, Confirms Recently Refusing Offer From Band for ‘Embarrassing’ Financial Reasons

Ultimate Guitar

During an appearance on The Eddie Trunk Podcast, classic KISS guitarist Ace Frehley talked about Bruce Kulick, the former KISS guitarist who was a member of the fold during the no-makeup era.

Bruce also made a guest appearance on Ace’s latest solo album “Origins Vol. 2,” on the cover version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression.” You can check it out here via Amazon.

Asked about his relationship with Kulick, Frehley replied (transcribed by UG):

“I’ve been friends with Bruce for years. I ended up doing the guitar solo on that band that Bruce sat with Karl Cochran and Eric Singer, and when I was living in LA, I did guitar solos on ESP [The Eric Singer Project] records.

“And me and Bruce have been friends since then. We’ve done some Rock N’ Roll Fantasy Camps together, and we also did the Kiss Kruise together several years ago.

“And when Bruce found out that I was doing ‘Origins Vol. 2,’ he expressed interest in performing guitar tracks with me. And since we’re both Hendrix fans, I said, ‘Pick a song,’ and he goes, ‘How about ‘Manic Depression’?’

“And he just killed the solo, and then me and him riff off together in the end, and you can hear between his style and mine, of course.

“Out of all the guitar players that have replaced me in KISS, I think Bruce is by far the best guitar player.”

When Bruce was in KISS [1984-1996], which was much of the ’80s and into the early ’90s, and the whole of the non-makeup era, did you pay much attention to that stuff? Did you see those videos? Did you hear those songs?

“I’ve heard some stuff, but I’ve never watched KISS without me. But I saw some stuff on YouTube and I’ve heard some tracks, and I loved Bruce – he didn’t play my solos note for

note, he kind of made it his own.

“He adds this swagger to make my solos like they’re supposed to. But Bruce is a more competent musician, I think, he changed my solos and I respect him for that.”

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Start with a Dream by Joey Cassata

Joey Cassata I Youtube

START WITH A DREAM: A Drummer’s Journey from Rock & Roll to T.V. to Broadway is a story about making your dreams come true no matter what obstacles stand in your way. Follow Joey from his early childhood when he was first introduced to his musical idols KISS, to being the drummer of an actual KISS tribute band, and then ultimately touring the US with KISS with his own rock band ZO2. After releasing several albums, Joey and ZO2 went on to star in their own TV show, Z Rock on IFC. Z Rock became the highest rated debut show in IFC history. After Z Rock, Joey went on to perform with the Tony Award winning Broadway musical Natasha Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. Filled with unique and colorful tales of life in the entertainment business, this book is for anyone who has ever had a dream – or even more so for those who have yet to discover their own. So go out and find what you love and go after it…Start With a Dream

Bruce Kulick KISS Guitar of the Month

Bruce Kulick I Facebook

Here’s my in-depth KISSTORY of an iconic Kulick guitar from the Crazy Nights era. My 1987 Radioactive BC Rich has it’s own story of how it became so unique and a featured part of my KISS years. I share the early beginnings to it’s video and photo fame, then onto it’s journey to Eric Carr and then back to me. I play some riffs for fun, so I know you’ll enjoy this “KISS Guitar of the Month of October, AMPLIFIED”!

80’s Glam Metalcast, episode 58 – KISS “What If’s And Why’s” w/ Kisstorian Bob Nash

There is all kinds of unseen footage for an “Elder” Box Set

Here’s why I would do an “Elder” Box Set. The same old stuff has been out there on YouTube for years, but there are more things out there that the band doesn’t have. Most fans have seen KISS perform “The Oath”, “World Without Heroes”, and “I” from the TV Show “Friday’s”. That afternoon of the “Friday’s” performance was also filmed. During that footage, Paul is teaching Ace the guitar solo to “The Oath”. It’s a train wreck! It’s crazy because Paul has to keep stopping and showing him parts. That has never been released. The soundcheck itself is unbelievable. Some recent recordings have also surfaced from Ace in the hole studios. These are fantastic and its only Ace, Gene, Eric Carr, and Bob Ezrin. You can hear them talking between stuff. This recording has never seen the light of day. I think fans would pay through the nose to see and hear this stuff!

Gene Simmons confirmed that KISS almost had a cartoon in 1979

The story is that Hanna Barberra had the thing ready to go, but Bill Aucoin put the brakes on it. He didn’t wan’t the band to get overexposed in 1979. Gene Simmons told me there is concept art of it. They were going to do it on NBC and they were in the “Dynasty” costumes. Gene said he owned all the original artwork that was done.

Comments from Bruce Kulick about Bob

Bruce Kulick | Facebook

Many of you have asked how my brother died. I didn’t have the information until a few days ago from the Las Vegas County Coroner. He passed away in his home, from natural causes due to heart disease. Sadly, I was unaware that my brother had complained to his doctor about chest pains and heart palpitations. I recently discovered this by looking at his medical papers, and I believe he was due to be treated, but the pandemic might of prevented it. For me this was a shock, as it was so sudden. I hope if you experience any pain or discomfort, please see your doctor. As much as this knowledge about his passing is closure for me and my family, he was too young to die. Thank you all for your support with his passing. I will continue to celebrate his career and share his photos and accomplishments, along with a lighter side of my brother many of you never knew.
Bob Kulick RIP 1/16/1950 – 5/28/2020