In an interview with Rolling Stone, guitarist Bruce Kulick reflected on his time with KISS from 1984 until 1996, when the band was not wearing masks. How did you first hear about the possibility of playing with them? the interviewer asked, and Bruce answered.
I auditioned for them when they had the cattle call to replace Ace [Frehley, in 1981], though I have never really talked about it in public. Bruce is fantastic, my brother [Bob Kulick] would often tell people. Bruce, you have to listen. However, I wasn’t prepared to enter that band, especially given their appearance, makeup, and activities.
All I can recall from the audition is that Gene [Simmons, bass] commented, ‘Nice vibrato,’ even though I couldn’t hear myself. That was it.
If you need a ghost guitar guy, call Bruce,” Mitch Weissman, who appeared in [the 1977 Broadway musical] Beatlemania and resembled a Jewish Paul McCartney, told Paul [Stanley, vocals/guitar] years later. He is a truly talented player. How he found out about my playing is beyond me.
But suddenly, I get the calls for ghost-guitarwork, whereas my brother used to get them all the time. Consequently, I provided some assistance to them on ‘Animalize’ from [1984,] as well as toward the conclusion of another song. [Kulick can be seen on ‘Murder in High-Heels’ and ‘Lonely Is the Hunter.’]
When my brother would take me into the city, I would occasionally socialize with Paul, so he knew who I was. I now have the opportunity to connect and perform for Paul on my guitar. ‘Don’t cut your hair,’ he told me before I left, clearly pleased with what I had done. What the hell is that about?’ I ask myself. It was roughly shoulder-length.
I receive a call from the KISS office within a month of that. They want me to cover for the new guitar player, Mark St. John.
His hand became enlarged due to an arthritic disease. I just won the lottery, I said. I could spend two to six weeks in KISS.
I became acutely aware of the opportunity, and I was eager to demonstrate my abilities. I put in so much effort that I ended up hurting my arm, which prevented me from attending rehearsals for two weeks. ‘Are you just terrified, or did you truly damage yourself?’ Gene asked me.
No, no, no,” I responded. The doctor I saw is someone Paul knows. In my arm, I pulled a nerve. I will be alright. It will heal, the doctor stated. I’m following all of his instructions, and after a week of practice with you guys, I’ll be familiar with the songs. I swear.
I realize that I might have ruined the best chance I’ll ever have to be the guitarist for KISS after receiving a call like that from Gene Simmons.