-By
Ray Shasho
Interviewed June 22nd 2015
Got to Get Back
is the latest release by KKB, a 1974 power trio that featured
lead guitarist Bruce Kulick,
singer/bassist/songwriter Mike Katz,
and drummer Guy Bois. It’s a hard
driving/progressive rock sound reminiscent to the styles of Cream, YES, and
King Crimson. The band may have even become legendary if it hadn’t been for
their lack of professional guidance. The title track …“Got to Get Back” is
a brand new song. Kulick says …“I thought the way we could
celebrate it the best after 40 years was actually to record a new song with the
same guys, I gave Mike a riff that I thought was similar to the kind of
progressive /metal trio style we did back in 1974 and he ran with it and turned
into a terrific song.”
Got to Get Back by KKB
is a timeless gem performed by three first-rate musicians. (5)
Stars!
BRUCE KULICK was a veteran guitarist for “The Hottest Band In The
World” … KISS! It was during the unmasking period for the legendary rockers
who officially appeared in public without makeup in an appearance on MTV in
1983. Kulick would join KISS as their fourth lead guitarist in less than three
years and holds title to the longest continuous tenure of anyone other than
Simmons and Stanley (September 1984 to August 1996). Although Kulick never wore
the band's iconic makeup, he says …“It keeps my era a little bit more
unique and sacred in a sense and I’m there to waive the flag for it.”
Bruce Kulick played on (5) KISS studio albums … Asylum, Crazy
Nights, Hot in the Shade, Revenge, Carnival of Souls: The Final
Sessions. Kulick also appeared on Alive III and KISS
Unplugged. The song "I Walk Alone" from Carnival of Souls:
The Final Sessions is the only KISS track to feature Kulick as lead vocalist.
To date, Kulick is featured on more than (20) KISS releases.
The ‘Farewell Tour’ featured
original KISS members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss.
Frehley left the group after the tour but Kulick was not asked to return as
their lead guitarist; instead Tommy Thayer became the new spaceman for KISS.
Kulick did however continue to work with the band by contributing on several
albums.
In 1997, Kulick formed ‘Union’ with lead vocalist/guitarist John Corabi (Mötley Crüe,
Ratt), drummer Brent Fitz (Slash, Vince Neil), and bassist James Hunting
(David Lee Roth, Eddie Money). ‘Union’
released (2) studio albums, two singles: "Old Man Wise" and
"October Morning Wind," and a live album.
Since 2001, Bruce Kulick has been
the lead guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad. The original band was a power trio
that featured current band members Don Brewer and Mel Schacher.
2015 Grand Funk Railroad Tour Dates
…
07/25/15
- Seneca Allegany Events Center, Salamanca, New York
08/01/15
- Delaware State Fair, Harrington, Delaware
08/07/15
- Paramount Hudson Valley, Peekskill, New York
08/08/15
- Wolf Den/Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut
08/15/15
- Northwest Ohio Rib-Off, Maumee, Ohio
08/22/15
- Martin County Fair, Fairmont, Minnesota
08/29/15
- Husets Speedway, Brandon, South Dakota
09/04/15
- Golden Nugget Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
09/06/15
- Southern 500 Nascar, Darlington, South Carolina
09/19/15
- Cactus Pete's Resort, Jackpot, Nevada
NEW!
09/26/15 - Sam Houston Race Park, Houston, Texas
NEW!
10/10/15 - Florida State H.O.G. Rally, Fort Myers, Florida
10/21/15
- Fourth Street Live! Louisville, Kentucky
NEW!
12/12/15 - Hollywood Casino Event Center, Charles Town, WV
Bruce Kulick Albums and
Videos:
With/
KKB- 1974 (1974)
With/Rosetta-
20th Century Records (1976)
With/Billy
Squier- The Tale of the Tape (1980)
With/Blackjack-
Blackjack (1979), Worlds Apart (1980)
With/The
Good Rats- Great American Music (1981)
With/
Michael Bolton-Michael Bolton (1983), Everybody's Crazy (1985),
The
Hunger (1987)
With/ KISS-Animalize (lead guitar on "Lonely Is the Hunter"
& "Murder in High Heels") (1984), Animalize Live Uncensored
(1984), Asylum (1985),Crazy Nights (1987), Chikara (1988), Smashes, Thrashes
& Hits (1988), Hot in the Shade (1989), Revenge (1992), Alive III (1993),
KISS Unplugged (1996), Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions (1997), Psycho
Circus backwards guitar intro and solo (on "Within"), rhythm and bass
guitar (on "Dreamin'") (1998), The Box Set (2001),The Very Best of
Kiss (2002),The Best of Kiss, Volume 2: The Millennium Collection (2004), The
Best of Kiss, Volume 3: The Millennium Collection (2005)
KISS
Video albums -
Animalize Live Uncensored (1985), Exposed (1987), Crazy Nights (1988), X-treme
Close-Up (1992), Kiss Konfidential (1993), Kiss My Ass: The Video (1994), Kiss
Unplugged (1996), Kissology Volume Two: 1978-1991 (2007), Kissology Volume
Three: 1992–2000 (2007)
With/Union
-Union (1998), Live in the Galaxy (1999), The Blue Room (2000)
With/
Daniel McCartney- Unbreakle (2000)
With/ESP-
Lost & Spaced (1998), ESP (1999), Live in Japan (2006),
Live
at the Marquee DVD (2006)
Solo albums -Audio Dog (2001), Transformer (2003), BK3 (2010)
I had the great please of chatting
with Bruce Kulick recently about his latest release Got to Get Back with
his first band KKB … Becoming a longtime guitarist with KISS … Playing with
Grand Funk Railroad … Touring … Tommy Thayer … A new solo album? … The shock of
being shot …My infamous ‘Field of Dreams’ question … and much-much more!
Here’s my interview with
a monstrous guitar player for KKB, Meatloaf, Blackjack w/Michael Bolton,
KISS, Union, and Grand Funk Railroad … BRUCE KULICK
Ray Shasho: Bruce thank you for being on the call today … I’d like to
first chat about the new release “Got to Get Back” which was recorded by your
first band KKB featuring the power trio of Bruce Kulick, Mike Katz and Guy
Bois. It’s a great album with a fascinating story behind it.
Bruce Kulick: “Except for the first track everything came from our very
ambitious efforts back in 1974. Mike found these tapes; he was the principal
songwriter, singer and bassist. I did a limited edition of a tape that I found
of what we did back then in 2008 and sold that on my website … it was called ‘KKB
1974,’ but I couldn’t remix any of it. Then around a year and a half ago, Mike
finally found the original tapes and now we had the four tracks that we could
properly mix, master, and re-master. We added a string quartet to one of the
songs; I realized that since I did a limited edition of it in 2008, I thought
the way we could celebrate it the best after 40 years was actually to record a
new song with the same guys, and that’s what the title track … “Got to Get
Back” is, I gave Mike a riff that I thought was similar to the kind of
progressive /metal trio style we did back in 1974 and he ran with it and turned
into a terrific song.”
“We never physically got
together because it was too expensive … with Guy (drummer) living in Paris,
Mike (bassist) in New York and I live in LA. Nowadays with Pro Tools you can
easily share the files. It was all mixed by Brian Virtue a very talented guy
here in LA and he sort of became the fourth member of the band. We didn’t want
to overdo anything since we found the original tapes and could transfer that
properly digitally. I could have done a lot of things … double guitars, replace
parts … but I didn’t want to do that, I really wanted it to be as pure as it
could be, and it’s funny how the new song fits in with the others after a 40
year gap … its crazy!”
Ray Shasho: I was blown away how well the new track fit right-in
after 40 years.
Bruce Kulick: “Mike has a very strong point of view as a musician and
hasn’t changed in the 40 years; he’s always been crazy for Jack Bruce and Cream
and that’s why we actually dedicated this CD to Jack Bruce. I had the pleasure
of actually meeting him a few times and even jamming with him at the Rock and
Roll Fantasy Camp, which was one of my dreams come true … actually playing
Cream songs with Jack. But Mike was so into that whole sound of Jack Bruce and
that style and I think Mike also has a terrific rock voice. But the way he
constructs a song and puts it together … he’s very complete about it; you could
hear all the harmonies for the vocals, we didn’t do a lot of that on the
original KKB but “Got to Get Back” has a couple of different backgrounds which
sound really good and it’s all Mike.”
Ray Shasho: A lot of the tracks on the new album have that progressive
rock feel to it …
Bruce Kulick: “Back in the 70’s it was King Crimson, YES of course,
although they used more keyboards and intricate vocals, but those bands I know
we did like, especially YES. Guy and I were in a cover band together playing
all the rock songs that we liked. YES and ELP were really important to us. I’m
sure Mike was aware of those bands too. The two bands I would think of while
KKB was rehearsing … I would imagine YES and more really Cream, but the music
is more progressive than Cream. I think Mike was fascinated with fooling around
with some of the time signatures. . KKB would explore a 7/8 or 5/4 time … you
don’t really notice it that much because it just feels right, but you know King
Crimson and YES did it a lot.”
“When KISS wanted to do Carnival of
Souls, they wanted to be a darker, heavier, meaner … Revenge (1992). In the
early 90’s, I started to fool around with detuning and writing riffs that may
have different time signatures. So there are quite a lot of songs on Carnival
of Souls that I contributed to. But to put it in the context of three guys, no
overdub, and no punching in, I’m constantly blown away how tight we were and
how good we were. Brian explained to me after he got to live with the
transferred tape, there’s a lot of bleed in each track, and that just proves
it’s all live. It’s a great time capsule of my early playing, but not only
that; to think we did all that work and recorded these song that are still
enjoyable and we never did anything …why didn’t we seek a record label or try
to network with someone? Thinking about it now I would answer that with … it
wasn’t about ambition it was all about making music. All of a sudden, Mike was
travelling and doing gigs for the USO and I’m off touring for six months with
another band backing disco artists because that’s where the money was back
then. But we never got the chance to do a gig or audition for a label, so who
knows what could have happened.”
Ray Shasho: On “Trying to Find A Way” I noticed that you
incorporated some Hendrix riffs on that track …
Bruce Kulick: “That was one of the only overdubs of the whole record, the
first song of course we did in a modern way and shared the files. But that was
the one track that was able to be put on the vocal track; we only had 4 tracks
when we recorded back then. The songs we recorded in the studio back in 1974
were all live and then Mike went in and did the vocals. We used all the
dynamics of a trio without any fancy studio tricks.”
Ray Shasho: Grand Funk Railroad begins touring in July and will make a
stop on October 10th at the 2015 Florida State H.O.G. Rallies ‘Roar to the
Shore’ in Fort Myers, Florida … www.flstatehogrally.com
Bruce Kulick: “Come on out and see the show! Every gig is a challenge
because we play a lot of different types of venues … casinos, classic rock
festivals, city festivals, barbeque fests and whatever it is, but its
interesting most of those crowds seem to vary in ages and fortunately we seem
to get the job done and everyone goes home really happy.”
Ray Shasho: “I’ve always been a huge Mark Farner supporter; we did a few
interviews together and chatted with him several times after his gigs in
Clearwater …
Bruce Kulick: “I’ve done work with Mark at Fantasy Camp. At first he was
a little put off to me and understandably, I had nothing to do with the
relationship of the original three guys. But I reached out to him because I am
a big fan of his and we had a couple of things in common where my Brother Bob,
who is actually a fine guitarist, played on his first solo record and Dick
Wagner produced it, and I remember the gift that he gave Bob, a sort of vintage
pistol. But I remember we had this vintage gun in the house which was his gift
to Bob, and as soon as I told him all of that he really warmed up. I reminded
him at the camp, since I know the material, and if you perform it, I’d be happy
to be your second guitarist and it would be an honor for me. He appreciated
that and I wasn’t expecting him to play KISS songs, (All laughing) so we got
along. When he did the Howard Stern Show he actually asked me to come and play
the acoustic so he could play guitar or when we performed “Closer to Home.” But
ultimately I have a lot of respect for him and whatever goes on between him and
the other members of the group is not my situation because I’m a fan too.”
Ray Shasho: “Let’s talk KISS … were you upset or a little annoyed when
Gene and Paul decided to bring in Tommy Thayer and not bring you back as their
guitarist?
Bruce Kulick: “It’s a great question you’re asking … quite honestly there
was times when I was aware that Ace was becoming a wild card and being very
difficult. It wasn’t by design that Tommy was kind of the bands tour
manager/assistant guy and he’d been involved for quite a few years even when I
was in the band … putting together the Kisstory book and being involved in
documenting a lot of things with Gene and Paul behind the scenes, even though
Tommy was always a talented guitar player from Black ‘n Blue and had gold and
platinum records on Geffen etc. etc. Tommy was also in a KISS tribute band at one
time so he certainly knew what it was to be dressed up like the spaceman. So
when it came down to it there were a couple events where Ace was a total
no-show. They weren’t high profiled things but were still enough where they had
to say … “Hey Tommy get the outfit on!” So it became pretty natural for
them to go to Tommy. It would have been awkward for me although I really do
miss being in KISS. But I couldn’t say 100% that I would never do that. Offer
me a contract … what’s the deal?”
“Knowing that they really wanted
someone to be as much the spaceman as Ace was on the reunion tour …that would
have been a little left to center for my 12 years, because I really wasn’t
given that kind of direction. Tommy is doing the kind of job that Gene and Paul
want in the current KISS. I don’t mind the fact that it keeps my era a little
bit more unique and sacred in a sense and I’m there to waive the flag for it.”
Ray Shasho: Bruce, you definitely have an impressive rock
resume … how many musicians can say that they’ve played as a full-time member
in bands of the caliber of KISS and Grand Funk Railroad?
Bruce Kulick: “I’m proud of my resume. To be honest, I think Eric Singer
has a longer list than me. I’m proud of the things that I’ve done … there was
the Bat Out of Hell/Meatloaf tour which was exciting and the Billy Squire
record, and my relationship with Michael Bolton, and we still keep in touch.
It’s been so many years but everything comes full circle.”
Ray Shasho: So
overall your KISS relationship remains steady.
Bruce Kulick: “Oh yea, I stay in touch … Gene, Paul and Eric was at my
wedding, and they know I’m very supportive. It’s all good and the more they
continue on … they’re creating new fans all the time. I see on Facebook and
Twitter how many people they turn-on to the KISS world and who want to know
more about KISS and the next thing you know they’re following me.”
Ray Shasho: One of my favorite You Tube videos is your guitar
solo during “Cold Gin” in 1988 at Budokan Hall in Japan.
Bruce Kulick: “I’d been in the band for about eight years and we were in
fine form. I thought all the tours went very well and there were certain albums
I preferred to others, but I have a lot to be proud of.”
Ray Shasho: I heard you were a big sci-fi fan?
Bruce Kulick: “I love Star Wars, Star Trek … I like some horror but
I prefer the sci-fi stuff. It will be exciting to see the movie later this
year. The great thing about Star Wars, Star Trek and all the versions from The
Next Generation into Deep Space Nine … I found the stories to be quite
compelling, telling about something we all go through in our lives into a
futuristic landscape, and they are always very enjoyable, I know my dad always
loved those too.”
Ray Shasho: Bruce, what happened the day you got shot?
Bruce Kulick “It was over ten years ago and a weird random thing. I was
leaving a club and there was a guy that was very drunk and who was very angry
at a security guard at the Rainbow which was a block up from the club I was
leaving … I went to see a buddy of mine who was playing with Vince Neil. The
next thing I know, I hear these ricochet shots that sounded like a backfire of
a car. Something went through my leg and the other bullet kind of grazed my
head and whistled by my ear. Of course I went to the hospital and they were all
waiting for me looking pretty serious because they heard … head wound and leg
wound. The head wound was superficial thank God because the bullet could have
gone into my head. The other bullet could have crippled me, but it was the
perfect kind of way to get shot according to the paramedic and a cop. They said
you want it to go through the muscle, that’s the way to get hit. And then they
sent me home. I was home by six in the morning … and then I see scrolling on
CNN … former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick shot. Of course I called my parents
and said don’t worry I’m home already. It was pretty surreal. You’ve got to
check out “I’ll Survive,” it’s the fifth track on my solo album ‘BK3’ … I kind
of poetically tell the story of that event.”
“This year I released ‘BK3’ on vinyl
and it’s available on my website. Vinyl is very hot right now!”
Ray Shasho: Bruce, here’s a question that I ask everyone that I
interview. If you had a ‘Field of Dreams’ wish like the movie, to perform or
collaborate with anyone from the past or present, who would that be?
Bruce Kulick: “I’ve always been obsessed with The Beatles… I know you said
I can go back in the past but I’d be happy just sitting- in with Paul and Ringo
right now. I have so much respect for them … I did get a chance to briefly meet
Ringo which was a real thrill, and considering they came from the biggest rock
band in history. I have a lot of respect for how much good music they put out
and how entertaining they’ve been. So that would be my ‘Field of Dreams’
to play with The Beatles but would be very happy with just Paul and Ringo.”
Ray Shasho: Bruce,
thank you so much for being on the call today and for all the incredible music
you’ve given us with KISS, and all the great music you continue to bring!
Bruce Kulick: “Thanks Ray!”
Purchase Got to Get Back by KKB
the lat release from Bruce Kulick … Bruce is proud to offer a special
KKB GOT TO GET BACK CD Package for fans and collectors. The package includes:
Limited edition, numbered copy of the GOT TO GET BACK CD, Two-sided photo card
with the story/history of KKB, KKB GOT TO GET BACK guitar pick, Download card
with redemption code for downloading the digital version of GOT TO GET BACK
-The KKB GOT TO GET BACK CD Package is offered both unsigned ($20.00) and
autographed by Bruce ($30.00).
Order now at http://kulick.net/merchandise.shtml
*You can also order the Got
to Get Back CD by KKB at amazon.com … (5)
Stars!
Track Listing:
Got
To Get Back
I'll Never Take You Back
My Baby
Someday
Trying To Find A Way
You Won't Be There
You've Got A Hold On Me
I'll Never Take You Back
My Baby
Someday
Trying To Find A Way
You Won't Be There
You've Got A Hold On Me
Very
special thanks to Anne Leighton Media * Music Services * Motivation
Contact music journalist/author Ray Shasho at rockraymond.shasho@gmail.com
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