Renowned guitarist Bruce Kulick has reflected on his significant time with the legendary rock band Kiss, stating that the choice not to bring him back was ultimately “the right way to go.” This acknowledgment sheds light on the complexities of band dynamics and personal decisions that shape a musician’s journey.

For over a decade, Kulick played an integral role as Kiss’ guitarist, contributing his talents to five studio albums: Asylum (1985), Crazy Nights (1987), Hot in the Shade (1989), Revenge (1992), and Carnival of Souls (1997). His tenure coincided with Kiss’ unmasked period, which meant Kulick never adopted the traditional makeup or elaborate onstage persona that fans had come to associate with the band’s earlier years.

It came as somewhat of a surprise to many that Kiss did not invite Kulick back into the fold following Ace Frehley’s departure for a second and final time in 2002. Instead, the band opted for Tommy Thayer, who had been closely involved with them for years. In a revealing conversation with Loaded Radio, transcribed by Blabbermouth, Kulick expressed his understanding of the band’s choice and the underlying reasons for it.

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“Not everyone’s aware of some of the backstory,” Kulick explained. “I had heard whispers about Ace’s erratic behavior and difficulties within the band. Tommy Thayer was already tour managing and was actively on the road with them. Even during my era, he played a pivotal role, helping with Kisstory and other projects. He even collaborated with Gene Simmons on songs and was a familiar presence in the inner circle of the band.”

Interestingly, Kulick revealed that Thayer had previously filled in for Frehley on two different occasions before Ace officially departed from the band. “There were instances where Kiss needed a substitute, not for full concerts, but for other commitments. There was a moment when Ace nearly missed a show, and they quickly had Tommy suit up because of his similar build. Although Ace made it in time, there were other events—like an appearance on That ’70s Show—where Ace didn’t show up, prompting them to call Tommy in to wear the costume. Additionally, there were private gigs, exclusive events where Ace opted not to perform, which required a stand-in.”

“Had they ever considered me for the role again, I believe it would have been a challenging transition,” Kulick continued. “Tommy was younger and had already established a rapport with them. Not many people know that he had fun performing in a tribute band called Cold Gin, where he portrayed Ace Frehley.”

Understanding the Band’s Decision: Kulick’s Perspective

While Kulick admitted that he might have accepted the position if it were offered, he ultimately recognized that embodying Frehley’s Spaceman persona wouldn’t have been the best fit for him. He expressed this sentiment candidly, acknowledging the unique challenges that would come with such a role.

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“I genuinely miss being part of Kiss,” he confessed. “However, I realize it would have overshadowed my contributions, as I would have been expected to take on the Spaceman’s role, complete with rockets and a performance style more aligned with Ace. Throughout my time with the band, I never received direction from Gene and Paul Stanley to adopt that style, while Tommy naturally fit into the role with his own guitar playing style. Thus, I’ve never felt they made the wrong choice; it was the right decision for the band, allowing Tommy to seamlessly take on the Spaceman persona.”

“In many ways, I believe I lost out on a significant opportunity, but for the right reasons,” Kulick reflected. “I never experienced a firing; it was simply a matter of timing. As the band transitioned into a highly profitable phase, selling out arenas and stadiums while wearing makeup, my era naturally came to an end.”