KISS fans recently reported a visible tension between Paul Stanley and Bruce Kulick during a live performance at KISS Kruise Vegas 2025. A video shared on Facebook documented the incident.
During the performance, fans noticed that Stanley appeared unhappy with Kulick’s playing. He seemed to be gesturing warnings to the guitarist.
The incident sparked discussion among KISS enthusiasts about the band’s dynamics and Kulick’s role within the group. The KISS fan sharing the video wrote in the caption, “Paul Stanley is not very happy with Bruce’s help.”
Another KISS fan commented, “Paul telling Bruce how to play the guitar, haha, it’s a joke.” Another fan defended Kulick, saying, “Bruce Kulick was the best guitarist KISS ever had, and I think Paul and Gene haven’t given him the place he deserves in KISS.”
According to the earlier reports, Paul Stanley issued a public apology, acknowledging that he had not properly recognized Kulick’s contributions during the previous night’s performance. “Before we get going, and we’ve got 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.
He 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, but Bruce was an important member of the band. So, apologies for not giving him his credit last night.”
The incident has reignited fan debates about Kulick’s legacy with KISS. Some supporters argue that he deserves greater recognition for his contributions to the band’s history.
Stanley’s public apology reflects a broader effort to acknowledge the band’s past and honor those who shaped KISS during pivotal moments in their career. Kulick served as the band’s lead guitarist from 1984 to 1996, as noted by Ultimate Classic Rock. This transformative period saw him help define the band’s evolving sound and contribute significantly to their musical direction.
The KISS Kruise Vegas 2025 event was a significant celebration of the band’s legacy. Kulick joined Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer onstage for two special “unmasked” performances during the cruise. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the Kiss Army and the 30th anniversary of their first fan convention, celebrating the band’s history and fan legacy. This reunion performance made Stanley’s initial oversight particularly notable to attendees.
Earlier reports in 2025 had suggested some tensions around potential reunion plans. However, the recent events at the Kruise and Stanley’s public statement indicate a genuine effort to mend any misunderstandings and properly recognize Kulick’s contributions. American Songwriter reported that Paul Stanley has teased KISS will likely release new music. He remains uncertain about further reunion performances beyond these special events.
The apology underscores a period of respectful reflection on the band’s history and acknowledgment of past members who played crucial roles in shaping KISS’s legacy. As the band looks toward the future with potential new material, moments like these demonstrate the importance of recognizing the contributions of all those who have been part of the KISS family throughout its storied career.
