Bruce Kulick
The lead guitarist who defined Kiss's unmasked era with five studio albums and over twenty releases before briefly returning for two songs at Kiss Kruise 2021.
Bruce Kulick (born December 12, 1953) is an American guitarist best known for his tenure as lead guitarist with Kiss from 1984 to 1996. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, he graduated from Newtown High School before launching a career that included session work and bands like Blackjack and Union. Kulick joined Kiss in December 1984, replacing Mark St. John, who departed due to reactive arthritis. Along with Eric Singer, Kulick was paid weekly during the reunion planning but remained sidelined when the original four returned for the Alive/Worldwide Tour. He is one of only two members, alongside St. John, never to wear makeup or costumes while in the band. His contributions span five studio albums, including Asylum and Revenge, as well as live records like Alive III and MTV Unplugged.
Quick Facts
- Birth name
- Bruce Howard Kulick
- Born
- 12 December 1953
- Birthplace
- Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Genre
- Hard rock; heavy metal
- Occupation
- Guitarist
- Years active
- 1968–present
- Current member of
- Eric Singer Project
- Past member of
- KKB
- Neverland Express
- Blackjack
- The Good Rats
- Kiss
- Union
- Grand Funk Railroad
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.
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?
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bruce Kulick?
Bruce Kulick is an American guitarist born in Brooklyn who served as KISS's lead guitarist from 1984 to 1996. He replaced Mark St. John and became a defining figure during the band's unmasked era.
Why did Bruce Kulick join KISS in 1984?
He was recruited in September 1984 to replace Mark St. John, who left the group due to reactive arthritis that prevented him from playing guitar. Kulick brought significant session experience and a background with bands like Blackjack to the role.
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