Bruce Kulick recently shared a birthday message to his former KISS bandmate Paul Stanley. The message demonstrated reconciliation after recent tensions, as reported on X (formerly Twitter).
The message came after Paul Stanley apologized to Kulick during the Q&A section of KISS Kruise Vegas 2025. Stanley apologized for not giving him proper credit for his work with KISS.
“Let’s all wish a Happy Birthday to Paul Stanley! A true rock icon, voice of a generation, and one of the greatest frontmen to ever hit a stage,” Kulick said. “Thanks to the songs, your passion for the music, and the decades of unforgettable moments with KISS.”
This public birthday tribute suggests that any lingering issues between the former bandmates have been resolved. The resolution followed Stanley’s acknowledgment of Kulick’s contributions to the band.
During the Q&A section of KISS Kruise Vegas, Paul Stanley admitted that he didn’t give proper credit to Kulick and apologized to him.
“Before we get going and we’ve got, you know, a lot of questions and answers, I just wanted to apologize to Bruce because last night with everything going on and it being exciting and it being a big adrenaline rush, first I was surprised when Bruce was out there,” Stanley said.
The singer added, “I didn’t remember he was coming out and then I forgot to give him his due cuz Bruce not only is a member of the family, Bruce was an important member of the band. So, apologies for not giving him his credit last night.”
Following Stanley’s apology, the two former bandmates shared the same stage at the Kruise event. Kulick also thanked his former bandmates for inviting him to the event, which showed he has made peace with Stanley.
“YES!!! This happened last Saturday night, at the KISS Kruise Landlocked in Las Vegas,” Kulick said. “I am far right in the photo. I played ‘Lick it Up’ and ‘Rock N Roll All Nite.’ It was ‘magical’ and what a great way to end a fantastic show from KISS without makeup!”
Bruce Kulick is best known for his long stint as lead guitarist of KISS from 1984 to 1996, during which he played on five studio albums (Asylum, Crazy Nights, Hot in the Shade, Revenge, Carnival of Souls) and appeared on notable live releases like Alive IIIand MTV Unplugged without ever wearing the band’s trademark makeup.
After leaving KISS when the original lineup reunited, Kulick formed Union and released several albums, put out solo work starting with Audiodog (2001) and Transformer (2004), and became lead guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad from 2001 until his departure in December 2023, earning multiple gold and platinum credits along the way. As of 2025, he remains active in music, engaging with fans on social media, performing at events like the KISS Kruise, and working on his autobiography.
