Ex-KISS Guitarist BRUCE KULICK Talks About New Solo Album

Antonio Rodrigues Junior of Brazil's Commando Rock recently conducted an interview with former KISS and current GRAND FUNK RAILROAD guitarist Bruce Kulick. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

Commando Rock: You're working now on your new solo album, "BK3". What can you tell me about this material?

Bruce: It is still being worked on. I have the 11 songs that will appear, but there are so many things still being worked on regarding a few of the songs, that I take the progress one week at a time. This disc of new Kulick music has to be the next step in my evolution of BK as a solo artists. I also have a few special guests involved. But all the news will come out in time about that.

Commando Rock: What are the main differences between "BK3" and the other two records you released previously ("Audiodog" and "Transformer")?

Bruce: Well, I have a co-writer and producer who is very talented. His name is Jeremy Rubolino. We have been working together for a few years on this new music. He pushes me in ways I can't. So I am very excited about the new music.

Commando Rock: Both you and your brother, Bob, are part of the history of KISS. Together you released last year the DVD "Kiss Forever". Tell me about this project.

Bruce: We were approached at the NAMM show, and I thought it would be great for me to do an "update" on the songs of KISS. My other instructional effort was only from the "Asylum" disc for KISS. I enjoyed explaining the tunes, and Bob did the KISS-related tunes that he was involved in.

Commando Rock: Among all the bands you played in, without a doubt KISS is the most popular. Is being known mostly because of this period in your whole career something that bothers you?

Bruce: Not at all. It is a VERY positive thing, coming from KISS. Of course people ask what make up you wore. Those are the ones that are really aware of the band etc. But how many bands can you be a member of that is known around the world. People's faces really look excited when I say, "I played lead guitar with KISS for 12 years!" Wow that sounds awesome even to me!

Commando Rock: It's been 10 years since your last album with KISS was put out ("Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions"),but you've kept contact with the other members of the band. What is your relationship today with the members of KISS?

Bruce: Well, I have worked with Paul of course on his solo disc, and Gene as well. I did two Fantasy Camps with Paul and that was very cool to jam with him onstage again with him. Gene and I keep in touch often and I am a fan of the A&E show. It was wild to be watching the footage a month ago that will be on "Kissology 3" and hear us all comment on the shows from my era. Very cool. Of course, Eric and I are very close.

Commando Rock: How did you feel when the reunion of the original line-up of KISS was confirmed that result in you leaving the group?

Bruce: Well, the success was not surprising to me. So of course they had to carry on in make-up. But I still think the "Revenge" band was important!

Commando Rock: The reunion lasted till 2000, and after that a lot of other musicians played guitar and drums. Would you say that the relationship with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons is difficult to keep?

Bruce: They are like brother in a family. They will always disagree to a point but keep the amazing creation called KISS moving forward . Can't say they aren't good at it!

Commando Rock: Did you ever think about going back to KISS? If you were invited back today, what would be your answer?

Bruce: Tommy has done the "Ace" role just fine. If they want to do a "Revenge"-style tour etc, that would make the most sense to ask ME of course. Know a promoter with LOTS of money to make that happen?????

Read the entire interview at this location.