Paul Stanley recently addressed his oversight regarding Bruce Kulick during the KISS Kruise Vegas 2025 event. He offered an apology in a statement shared on The Rock Experience with Mike Brunn.
During the Q&A section of the cruise, Stanley acknowledged that he had failed to give proper credit to Kulick. Kulick is a significant member of the KISS family and an important contributor to the band’s history.
“Before we get going and we’ve got, you know, a lot of questions and answers, I just wanted to apologize to Bruce because last night with everything going on and it being exciting and it being a big adrenaline rush, first I was surprised when Bruce was out there,” Stanley said.
The singer added, “I didn’t remember he was coming out and then I forgot to give him his due cuz Bruce not only is a member of the family, Bruce was an important member of the band. So, apologies for not giving him his credit last night.”
Stanley’s apology highlighted the excitement and fast pace of the event. This led to the unintended slight toward Kulick’s contributions to the band.
Stanley’s recognition of Kulick’s importance underscores a critical chapter in KISS’s history. This chapter deserves greater acknowledgment. Kulick’s tenure with the legendary rock band shaped the group’s sound and legacy during a transformative period.
Bruce Kulick’s official biography reveals that he served as KISS’s lead guitarist from 1984 to 1996. He replaced Mark St. John during a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution. During his 12-year tenure, Kulick became a steady presence through numerous lineup changes. He helped stabilize the band’s live performances and studio sound during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Kulick’s contributions extended far beyond lead guitar work. Per Wikipedia, he played on multiple studio albums including Animalize (1984), Asylum (1985), Crazy Nights (1987), Hot in the Shade (1989), Revenge (1992), and Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions (1997). He also co-wrote songs and contributed bass on selected tracks, demonstrating his versatility as a musician. His guitar playing was known for being polished and fitting seamlessly with KISS’s distinctive style during years marked by significant personnel changes.
The commercial success of Kulick’s era with KISS cannot be overstated. Guitar World documented that Kulick earned multiple Platinum and Gold records with the band. This cemented his role in some of KISS’s most commercially successful work. His performances are featured prominently in official band histories, including the KISSOLOGY II and III DVD collections, which document a substantial portion of the band’s career.
After leaving KISS, Kulick continued a prolific career with bands like Union, the Eric Singer Project, and Grand Funk Railroad. However, his 12 years with KISS remain a defining chapter that solidified him as a respected guitarist in rock history. Stanley’s public apology serves as a reminder that Kulick’s legacy with the band deserves recognition alongside the original lineup’s iconic contributions.
