Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick has addressed his exclusion from the band’s final concert. He called his public criticism of the situation uncharacteristic for him in a recent interview with Get On The Bus.
Kulick reflected on his vocal response to not being invited to KISS’s farewell show. He also discussed his ongoing relationship with band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
“I will admit I was very verbal about the final show that I didn’t feel they handled that right, which was very out of character for me,” Kulick said. “But I wasn’t in the works with them to understand what was their desires and motives.”
The guitarist emphasized his desire to maintain positive relationships moving forward.
“It’s very much to my benefit, and probably theirs, to have this mutual respect moving forward,” he continued.
Kulick also expressed support for KISS’s future plans under Pophouse Entertainment. The company intends to continue the band’s legacy through avatars and new experiences.
The exclusion of former members from KISS’s farewell concert has sparked broader discussions about how the band chose to commemorate its 50-year history during the final show.
Hot Metal Magazine revealed that Kulick particularly lamented the lack of acknowledgement for past members. He especially noted the absence of any tribute to late drummer Eric Carr during the farewell concert. He called the situation an “injustice.” He questioned how the band could hold such a significant show without mentioning Carr’s name.
Despite the hurt from not being invited or even offered tickets, Hot Metal Magazine documented that Kulick acknowledged he didn’t push for invites as he felt it would be inappropriate. This was especially true when other band alumni and friends were granted access backstage, including guests like Sebastian Bach.
Blabbermouth noted that Kulick remains puzzled by the band’s choice to exclude many alumni and not celebrate the full 50-year history of KISS during the final show. He called it a missed opportunity to honor the band’s legacy.
Blabbermouth also reported that the decision was underscored by their longtime manager’s remark that KISS “doesn’t jam.” Kulick found this point “outrageous,” given his familiarity with the band’s music and previous collaborations on KISS Kruise events.
