Paul Stanley has publicly apologized to Bruce Kulick after failing to properly acknowledge the former KISS guitarist during the KISS Kruise Land-Locked in Vegas event.
The moment happened during the Q&A section of the event, after Stanley realized that he had not given Kulick the credit he deserved the night before. Stanley explained that the excitement and pressure of the show caused him to miss the moment.
“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.
He then made it clear that Kulick’s role in KISS history should not be overlooked.
“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.”
The apology came after the KISS Kruise Land-Locked event in Las Vegas, which took place on November 15 and 16, 2025. Reports noted that Stanley addressed the issue during a Q&A session at The Theater at Virgin Hotels.
Kulick’s place in KISS history is significant. According to his official biography, he joined KISS in 1984 and remained the band’s lead guitarist until 1996. During that period, he performed around the world with the group and earned multiple Gold and Platinum records.
His time in the band covered an important era for KISS. Kulick was part of the non-makeup years and played on albums including Asylum, Crazy Nights, Hot in the Shade, Revenge, and Carnival of Souls. His steady presence helped carry the band through one of its most changing periods.
Grand Funk Railroad’s official biography for Kulick also notes that he joined KISS for the Animalize tour in 1984 and stayed until the 1996 reunion tour. It also states that he is heavily featured on the KISSOLOGY II and III DVD collections.
That is why Stanley’s apology mattered to many fans. Kulick was not a short-term guest or a minor side figure in the band’s story. He spent 12 years with KISS and helped define the sound of an entire chapter of the group.
Stanley’s comments showed that the omission was not intentional. Instead, he framed it as a mistake made during a busy and emotional event. Still, by apologizing directly, he also reminded fans that Kulick remains part of the KISS family.
For many KISS fans, Bruce Kulick’s era has always deserved more attention. Stanley’s apology may have started because of an awkward moment, but it also gave Kulick the recognition he should have received in the first place.
