Bruce Kulick: Ace Frehley’s Passing Affected Me Deeply
Bruce Kulick, the former lead guitarist of KISS, recently shared his profound feelings regarding the passing of Ace Frehley. In a heartfelt tribute during the October 17 episode of SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk,” Kulick remembered Frehley, who died on October 16 at the age of 74.
A Deep Respect for Ace Frehley
In his discussion with host Eddie Trunk, Kulick expressed his appreciation for Frehley’s respect towards his own contributions to KISS. He stated that it was “tremendous” to feel supported by Frehley, emphasizing the unique artistry that Ace brought to the band’s music.
- Ace Frehley passed away on October 16, 2023.
- Bruce Kulick joined KISS in 1984 and played until 1996.
- Kulick has been involved in KISS-related events in the last few years.
Kulick shared memories of recent collaborations with Frehley, including “The Vault” project with Gene Simmons, Creatures Fest gigs, and performances on the KISS Kruise. He noted their growing connection over the last three to four years.
Kulick’s Perceptions of Frehley’s Style
Bruce reflected on how he admired Frehley’s unique guitar playing style. He compared Ace to legends like Jimmy Page, highlighting his ability to create melodic solos that felt integral to the songs. Kulick stated that, as he became more experienced with KISS’s catalog, he made an effort to play Frehley’s original solos as faithfully as possible.
He acknowledged the challenge of stepping into Frehley’s legendary role. Kulick felt that while he respected Frehley immensely, there were intrinsic differences in their playing styles. He recognized the shadow Frehley’s iconic presence cast over KISS and remarked on how he was always aware of it throughout his time with the band.
Understanding Loss and Mortality
Following Frehley’s second fall earlier in October, Kulick began to anticipate the likelihood of the worst outcome. He noted the emotional difficulty of knowing that such news was imminent and expressed the profound impact Frehley’s death had on him. “It hit me harder than I ever thought,” he revealed.
KISS’s Evolution and Lineup Changes
Reflecting on KISS’s lineup changes, Kulick commented on the circumstances surrounding the band’s decisions after Frehley left. While he missed performing with KISS, he noted that it was sensible for the band to choose Tommy Thayer to fill Ace’s role. Kulick respected Thayer’s understanding of Frehley’s style and thought it would be awkward for him to take on that role due to the expectations it entailed.
Ultimately, Kulick found peace with his past experiences with KISS. He acknowledged how changes in the band’s direction made decisions easier for him while allowing him to enjoy his current music projects with Grand Funk Railroad.
Conclusion
Bruce Kulick’s heartfelt tribute to Ace Frehley illustrates not only the deep respect he held for his predecessor but also his understanding of the complexities surrounding life, loss, and legacy. As fans and musicians mourn the loss of a rock legend, Kulick’s reflections offer a unique insight into the bond between musicians and the indelible mark left by Frehley on rock history.
