Bruce Kulick – Back for Revenge

Bruce Kulick is best known for his work with legendary stadium rock outfit, KISS. Bruce helped forge numerous classic KISS albums, including ‘Asylum’, ‘Crazy Nights’ and ‘Revenge’. Bruce is now best known for his infamous solo career, spanning 12 years and 3 studio albums. He’s also lead guitarist of Grand Funk Railroad, and has been since 2001.

Metal Obsession had the pleasure to speak with Bruce Kulick to discuss his latest solo album, ‘BK3’ and his upcoming live shows and guitar clinics in Melbourne and Sydney.

Metal Obsession: What’s a typical day in the life of Bruce Kulick, when writing a new song or album?

Bruce Kulick: I usually just jam on the guitar. The TV could even be on in the background and then, boom something catches my ear. So I turn down the television, and start recording. Then I get together with my producer and we evolve the song(s) from there.

MO: What has been the biggest influence towards ‘BK3’?

BK: Just doing the best music I could come up with. Like the way KISS‘s ‘Revenge’ was put together. No compromise on anything. Some songs come fast, but some can take many re-writes. “I Walk Alone” from the KISS CD Carnival of Souls was a long process, but worth it.

MO: Do you tend to write lyrics first and foremost, or do you restrict yourself to how you specifically write an album each time?

BK: Some lyrics and words come right with the music, but mostly not. There are no rules with writing music. It just a blessing though when it comes along and works well.

MO: You always worked within a team environment with KISS, as oppose to now working as an individual. Would you note any drawbacks to working as a “individual artist”?

BK: I of course usually have someone I consider apart of my team. Jeremy Rubolino, the guy who produced ‘BK3’ is my team captain. I might have final say, but I let him help guide the ship.

MO: I take it you have a lot more artistic expression and freedom now compared to working with KISS?

BK: That is correct and they are great at knowing what they want. I learned from that too. But there is total freedom being solo. But that is why both Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have done solo CD’s as well.

MO: Do you find being the sole creative force; a liberating experience or more a necessary evil?

BK: At first I was afraid to have that responsibility. Now I cherish it. It’s a good feeling.

MO: What would you say has been the biggest hurdle from both a personal and musical stand point working on ‘BK3’?

BK: Just being committed to a no compromise approach. That meant more of money to spend on the CD! But worth it.

MO: Were you at all skeptical at how fans would react to the final product?

BK: I always hoped, if I think it rules, they will come along and enjoy it as much as I do. It is all music that is special to me. They dig it, so I did good I think!

MO: What brought about the idea to work with Tobias Sammet (Edguy/Avantasia)?

BK: Eric Singer has worked with him, and it was natural from there. Very talented man indeed. Tobias had the concept for the lyrics, ‘I’m The Animal’. I liked it. We collaborated and Tobais is a great guy. I returned the favor by doing some guitars for him.

MO: Any plans to perhaps create an instrumental album?

BK: Not sure about that. I could do that, but I do like words to music too.

MO: Do you find some of your fans or KISS fans in general have a tendency to not want you to break out of your former mold. In terms of how you played or even your image when you were still in KISS?

BK: Some fans would obviously just see me as the guy from ‘Crazy Nights’ or Revenge’. At least I mean something to them which means a lot to me. I do feel they miss out on all the other aspects of me though.

MO: Does it ever get frustrating for you living in another person’s shoes. What I mean by that is; living a former life when you were originally in KISS?

BK: It was and still is a tremendous honour to have been in that band for 12 years and still be associated with them. I think my era of KISS stands on its own and it has nothing to do with being in another person’s shoes. As I like to say to my friends and family ‘It’s a KISS world, and we all live in it!”

MO: Was there ever a discussion on what you would be characterized as in KISS if the band were never unmasked?

BK: Never. But I would be the DOG the Audiodog! [laughs]

MO: Isn’t there an action figure of you floating around somewhere?

BK: Some fan made it for me. Good stuff. I like it!

MO: What are your expectations of the upcoming Australian tour?

BK: I have great stuff to play and discuss. Very cool set list for the live gigs, and the clinics will be based on a lot on ‘Revenge’ material. Amazing KISS album as you all know. I will bring a nice ESP guitar and my Seymour Duncan pickups, which I absolutely love. Sadly customs wont allow me to bring anything else with me. I’ll also have my latest album ‘BK3’ available to purchase at the lives gigs and clinics.

MO: Its obvious that you’ll be playing a bit of everything on the upcoming tour. Any chance of throwing in some Grand Funk Railroad for good measure?

BK: I am not sure if my fans know those songs. I’d rather do more KISS stuff that KISS doesn’t play. [laughs]

MO:  What was your top album of 2011?

BK: I loved ‘Viva La Vida’ by Coldplay. I know…sounds strange, right? But it sounds like a soundtrack to a life. I can listen to that CD everyday. Its amazing.

MO: Thanks for the chat, mate. Any famous last words?

BK: Live Long And Prosper! [laughs]

Make sure to catch Bruce Kulick on tour. Tickets on sale now and selling fast. Don’t miss out!

Bruce Kulick 2012 Australian Tour (special guests: Six Hours)

Melbourne
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Corner Hotel
57 Swan St, Richmond
Doors open – 7:30pm

Sydney
Saturday, February 4, 2012:
The Factory Theatre
105 Victoria Road, Marrickville
Doors open – 7:30pm

Tickets now available via venues and respected ticketing outlets.

Bruce Kulick fans will also be able to bare witness to the guitar shredding virtuoso as he rips up Allans Music/Billy Hyde for a special in-store guitar clinic in Melbourne and Sydney.

Bruce Kulick Instore Guitar Clinic
Proudly presented by Allans Music + Billy Hyde and Seymour Duncan

MELBOURNE
Tuesday January 31, 2012
Allans Music + Billy Hyde
152 Bourke St, Melbourne
Doors open – 7pm

SYDNEY
Friday February 3, 2012
Allans Music + Billy Hyde
130 Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Camperdown
Doors open – 7pm

Tickets: $20 – BOOK NOW. STRICTLY LIMITED
www.allansbillyhyde.com.au

Check out Bruce Kulick’s brand new album, ‘BK3′. Special guests include Tobais Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia), Gene Simmons (KISS) and Steve Lukather (Toto) Now available via iTunes and all respected music outlets.  – http://kulick.net/bk3/

For more information, check out: www.kulick.net | www.allansbillyhyde.com.au| www.cornerhotel.com | www.factorytheatre.com.au