During an appearance on The Eddie Trunk Podcast, classic KISS guitarist Ace Frehley talked about Bruce Kulick, the former KISS guitarist who was a member of the fold during the no-makeup era.
Bruce also made a guest appearance on Ace’s latest solo album “Origins Vol. 2,” on the cover version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression.” You can check it out here via Amazon.
Asked about his relationship with Kulick, Frehley replied (transcribed by UG):
“I’ve been friends with Bruce for years. I ended up doing the guitar solo on that band that Bruce sat with Karl Cochran and Eric Singer, and when I was living in LA, I did guitar solos on ESP [The Eric Singer Project] records.
“And me and Bruce have been friends since then. We’ve done some Rock N’ Roll Fantasy Camps together, and we also did the Kiss Kruise together several years ago.
“And when Bruce found out that I was doing ‘Origins Vol. 2,’ he expressed interest in performing guitar tracks with me. And since we’re both Hendrix fans, I said, ‘Pick a song,’ and he goes, ‘How about ‘Manic Depression’?’
“And he just killed the solo, and then me and him riff off together in the end, and you can hear between his style and mine, of course.
“Out of all the guitar players that have replaced me in KISS, I think Bruce is by far the best guitar player.”
When Bruce was in KISS [1984-1996], which was much of the ’80s and into the early ’90s, and the whole of the non-makeup era, did you pay much attention to that stuff? Did you see those videos? Did you hear those songs?
“I’ve heard some stuff, but I’ve never watched KISS without me. But I saw some stuff on YouTube and I’ve heard some tracks, and I loved Bruce – he didn’t play my solos note for
note, he kind of made it his own.
“He adds this swagger to make my solos like they’re supposed to. But Bruce is a more competent musician, I think, he changed my solos and I respect him for that.”
Joe
Many of you have asked how my brother died. I didn’t have the information until a few days ago from the Las Vegas County Coroner. He passed away in his home, from natural causes due to heart disease. Sadly, I was unaware that my brother had complained to his doctor about chest pains and heart palpitations. I recently discovered this by looking at his medical papers, and I believe he was due to be treated, but the pandemic might of prevented it. For me this was a shock, as it was so sudden. I hope if you experience any pain or discomfort, please see your doctor. As much as this knowledge about his passing is closure for me and my family, he was too young to die. Thank you all for your support with his passing. I will continue to celebrate his career and share his photos and accomplishments, along with a lighter side of my brother many of you never knew.
Joe