Bruce Kulick

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Kulick's journey began long before he joined Kiss, starting with his first band KKB in 1974 alongside childhood friends Mike Katz and Guy Bois. He toured professionally with George McCrae and Andrea True before playing rhythm and lead guitar for Meat Loaf's world tour following the release of Bat Out of Hell in 1977, sharing the stage with his brother Bob. Between 1979 and 1980, he was a member of Blackjack with Michael Bolton. In 1983, he joined Michael Bolton's tour; Bolton had anglicized his name in the late 1970s. After leaving Kiss in December 1996, he formed Union with John Corabi in 1997, releasing their self-titled album in 1998 followed by Live in the Galaxy and The Blue Room. He also served as lead guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad from 2000 until his departure following a concert in Marietta, Ohio, on December 14, 2023.

In Their Own Story

In September 1984, Bruce Kulick stepped into the role of lead guitarist for Kiss, replacing Mark St. John after the latter's diagnosis of reactive arthritis. Unlike the original members who returned in 1996 with their iconic makeup and costumes, Kulick remained without disguise, a status he shares only with St. John in the band's history. During the reunion era starting in 1995, Kulick and Eric Singer were paid weekly but allowed to pursue other projects as long as Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley approved. Although not asked to rejoin when Ace Frehley left again in 2002—Simmons and Stanley felt Tommy Thayer could better capture Frehley's persona—Kulick continued contributing to the band, including work on the Psycho Circus album where he played bass on "Psycho Circus" and lead guitar on "Within." Decades later, in a unique turn of events, Kulick briefly rejoined the band for Kiss Kruise 2021, performing two songs: "Tears Are Falling" and "Heaven's on Fire."

Reader's Guide

Bruce Kulick joined Kiss as lead guitarist in September 1984, replacing Mark St. John. He remained with the band until December 1996. During his time with Kiss, he never wore makeup or costumes; only he and St. John hold this distinction among all members. His discography with the group includes five studio albums: Asylum (1985), Crazy Nights (1987), Hot in the Shade (1989), Revenge (1992), and Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions (1997). He also appears on Alive III, MTV Unplugged, and contributed to Psycho Circus. Notably, "I Walk Alone" from Carnival of Souls is the only Kiss track featuring Kulick as lead vocalist. Outside of Kiss, he released three solo albums: Audiodog (2001), Transformer (2003), and BK3 (2010). He also earned a writing credit on Kanye West's "Never Let Me Down" from The College Dropout (2004) and appeared on Eric Singer Project albums, Lordi's The Arockalypse, and Paul Stanley's Live to Win.

Did You Know?

• Kulick and Mark St. John are the only two members of Kiss never to have worn makeup or costumes in the band.
• The song "I Walk Alone" from Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions is the only Kiss track to feature Kulick as lead vocalist.
• Bruce's brother, Bob Kulick, played guitar on Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell tour alongside Bruce and later produced Eric Carr's Rockology album.
• Kulick was shot twice by stray bullets on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles on October 16, 2003.