In a recent interview with Paul Salfen of AMFM Magazine, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick shared his plans to work on his autobiography in 2025. Kulick mentioned that he has collected a significant amount of material from his time with KISS, including interviews from as far back as 1999, which he has now digitized to help him recall memories. He intends for the book to offer an in-depth look at his life as a musician, with a particular focus on his years with KISS, while avoiding sensationalism. Kulick emphasized that he has many untold stories that fans will find enjoyable and intriguing.
In a different conversation with Loaded Radio, Kulick discussed why he was not asked to rejoin KISS after Ace Frehley left in 2001. He explained that Tommy Thayer, who was already closely involved with the band, was a more natural fit for the role. Thayer had been working with KISS in various capacities, including as a tour manager, and had even filled in for Frehley on a few occasions. Kulick acknowledged that Thayer’s style was more in line with what was needed for the band at that time. He also noted that both Thayer and drummer Eric Singer were chosen by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley to take on their respective roles, not because they sought them out.
Kulick joined KISS in 1984 and served as their lead guitarist for twelve years, participating in the “Animalize” tour and staying with the band until the 1996 reunion tour. He is prominently featured in the band’s DVDs “Kissology – Vol. 2” and “Vol. 3.” In an April 2020 interview with Sleaze Roxx, Kulick expressed that he was relieved not to have been asked to rejoin KISS after Frehley left, as he believed Thayer was a more suitable choice. Kulick remarked that taking on the “Spaceman” role would have been challenging for him, as it would have required him to mimic Frehley’s style closely, which was not in line with his own musical approach.
Kulick reflected on his friendship with Thayer, noting that they have grown closer over the years during events like the “Kiss Kruise.” He expressed pride in his contributions to KISS and satisfaction with how his work from that era has been received by fans. Kulick stated that he is content with not being part of KISS’s makeup era and is happy with his role in Grand Funk Railroad, where he continues to perform. He mentioned that he was not asked to perform at KISS’s final show in December 2023 at Madison Square Garden, nor was he invited to attend.
