Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick has addressed the fact that he was not asked to rejoin the band following the departure of original guitarist Ace Frehley, saying he wasn’t personally hurt by the situation and understood the band’s choices. Kulick’s comments offer insight into his long career with KISS and his relationship with his former bandmates.
Kulick’s Time in KISS
Bruce Kulick joined KISS in 1984, replacing Vinnie Vincent as the band’s lead guitarist. He remained in the role through the late ’80s and early ’90s, a period that included releases such as Asylum, Crazy Nights, and Hot in the Shade. Over his tenure, he became an integral player in KISS’s non-makeup era, contributing to studio albums and extensive world tours while helping maintain the band’s perspective.
The Ace Frehley Return and Kulick’s Reaction
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley rejoined the band intermittently in the late 1990s and early 2000s for reunion tours before departing again for good after the band’s final concert with their original lineup in December 2000. When Frehley exited the band once more ahead of KISS’s recent farewell activities, many fans wondered whether Kulick might be invited back as his replacement or to participate in some capacity.
In a recent interview, Kulick responded candidly to that question. He said that he wasn’t hurt or upset about not being approached to rejoin the band, adding that he understood the situation from the band’s perspective:
“I wasn’t hurt by not being approached. I’ve been very fortunate to have had the time I had with KISS, and I have great memories from that era.”
Kulick went on to stress that while his time with KISS was significant, he doesn’t hold anger or resentment about the band’s decisions. Instead, he framed his experience in a positive light.
Looking Back and Looking Forward
Although Bruce Kulick was not part of KISS’s final incarnation following Ace Frehley’s most recent departure, his contributions to the band’s history remain part of the legacy. He played on multiple albums, participated in numerous tours, and helped sustain the band during transitional years.
After leaving KISS, Kulick continued his musical career with various projects, including his solo work and collaborations with other artists. His perspective on the situation reflects a broader theme among seasoned musicians: understanding the business side of band dynamics without taking exclusion personally.
Understanding Kulick’s Perspective
Kulick’s remarks are noteworthy not just because they come from someone who spent over a decade in one of rock’s most famous bands, but because they convey a sense of peace and perspective. Rather than expressing bitterness or regret, he emphasized gratitude for the time he did have with KISS:
“I’ve been very fortunate… I have great memories,” he said, underscoring that his tenure with the band was meaningful even if it didn’t extend into the recent era.
For fans and observers, Kulick’s comments are a reminder that the relationships between band members — especially in a group with a career as complex as KISS’s — can be multifaceted, emotional, and ultimately respectful even after the spotlight has moved on.
