Bruce Kulick Reflects on What Could Be His Final KISS Performance

On December 15, 1995, Bruce Kulick played his final show as an official member of Kiss, closing a decade-long tenure that brought both stability and artistry to the band’s notoriously turbulent lead-guitar role. Before Kulick joined in 1984, the position had been a revolving door, with Vinnie Vincent lasting barely two years and Mark St. John departing even faster. Kulick’s steady presence helped Kiss regain platinum-selling status and pack arenas after a slump in the early ’80s.

His farewell came during a three-song acoustic set at the Palladium in Los Angeles as part of Mark and Brian’s annual Christmas radio special, which also featured acts like Peter Frampton and Spencer Davis. “I have to admit, it wasn’t easy playing at eight in the morning,” Kulick recalled in a recent video, “but I thought we actually sounded very good considering the time of day we had to perform.” Clips of the show include “Calling Dr. Love,” “Hard Luck Woman,” and a full rendition of “White Christmas,” alongside Kulick’s reflections on the experience.

The Unplugged Show and the Original Lineup Reunion

At the time, Kiss was recording what would become Kulick’s final studio album with the band, 1997’s Carnival of Souls. Nine months earlier, founding members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss joined the current lineup for four songs on MTV Unplugged. “Most of the time when I talk about my last show, I actually refer to it as Unplugged,” Kulick explained. “Even though we were playing acoustic, the four of us were rocking out.” The excitement surrounding Frehley and Criss’ return made a full reunion almost inevitable, which Kiss announced with a surprise appearance at the 1996 Grammys.

Kulick admitted he didn’t know about the reunion until January 1996. “It was good that Carnival of Souls was about two-thirds done, because that would have taken a little bit of wind out of it for me,” he said. Despite not joining the reunion in makeup, Kulick was unbothered: “Honestly, playing the Ace role would be very awkward for me… Tommy Thayer was very natural in that role.”

Life After Kiss and Legacy

After departing Kiss, Kulick continued to thrive musically, joining Grand Funk Railroad in 2000, celebrating a 20-year tenure with the band, and releasing multiple solo albums as well as two records with Union, alongside former Mötley Crüe singer John Corabi. In recent years, he has returned to Kiss Kruise stages, delighting fans with live sets dedicated to his time in the band and paying tribute to late members Ace Frehley, Eric Carr, and Bob Kulick.

For fans, Kulick’s story is more than just a chapter in Kiss history—it’s a testament to dedication, artistry, and the bonds that keep music alive. Even without the iconic makeup, his contributions continue to resonate, reminding audiences that legacy isn’t always about characters or stage personas, but about the notes, the energy, and the passion left behind.