Bruce Kulick Rides Again: Discusses KISS, Playing Their Music, and More
Since departing from Grand Funk Railroad last January, Bruce Kulick has taken the time to travel overseas and appear in various events and clinics. In an enlightening conversation with Ultimate Classic Rock, Kulick discussed his thoughts on the criticisms KISS faces as well as his experiences playing Kiss’ music.
Knives and Criticisms
Asked about the knocks KISS got from critics and fellow musicians, including Bruce Kulick’s former collaborator, Kulick acknowledged them. "Nobody could play [KISS’ music] as well as those guys performed it", he stated, citing the solo in KISS’ "Detroit Rock City".
Anyone who considers Kiss straightforward or easy music to play are ridiculous, in my opinion. The band gets credit for the hard work.
He also praised Paul [Stanley] and Gene [Simmons] as talented musicians, recalling anecdotes from his time playing with KISS.
Playing with Pomp and Circumstance (And a Little Garage Edge)
Kulick touched base on how he approaches playing along with KISS songs or Kiss-inspired music. When collaborating with others, he emphasized understanding essence and making it your unique creation. "I won’t play the beginning of [Grand Funk] in "We’re An American Band’’ wildly different than what was played on Mark [Farner]’s radio-friendly hit."
Refering to Kiss’ earlier music, he recalled the band’s earlier beginnings. "Sometimes I call you little bit garage band… we didn’t try to be too cool… they were really hard work."
Punctuated by Passion
His observations on KISS music weren’t limited to their own recorded tracks. He shared some opinions about specific songs, like the complex intro on "Thrills in The Night".
That song…is the one song in terms of speed and time signatuare, we actually cut that live… obviously was difficult. I had to really grasp, make sense of it…
With some songs, like the majestic, atmospheric "Makin’ Love", Kulick’s fondness for the composition clearly shows.
Gene, and Gaining Respect
In discussions focusing on Gene Simmons’ talent both on bass and as a performer he pointed out Gene is:
incredibly gifted…the thing is, the last 20 years, since then [the reunion of Kiss ], Paul and Gene had worked more together…you really realize how good [simmons] is…
Bruce concludes: "These guys[are] really, really talented musicians.’
Conclusion
From having discussions with fellow guitar heroes and Kiss fans alike it becomes clear that Bruce Kulick still has a deep admiration, love, and respect for KISS. His thoughts shed significant light on the band’s remarkable repertoire and enduring appeal.
F.A.Q.s
1Q: What’s the most difficult Kis s song for you to play?
- A: When it was still my first time to become part of the band, playing these Kiss songs, you saw things like the
Animalize LIVE, album has some really impressive high-quality playing, like this guy named Mark [St., John] did…he has some terrific playing and his parts were a bit complicated but there were songs I took it on the track after Animalize like I do later… like 1) the song 10 songs are years… " (Read full article here… I like the acoustic performance by Ace Frehley (for the song).
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