During a December 16 interview on SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk”, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick discussed whether he was considered to rejoin the band after Ace Frehley departed in 2001. He explained (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “When I heard that Ace might not show up for the 2001 gigs, and Tommy [Thayer] was stepping in, I wondered if they would ask me. I talked to friends with insider knowledge, but I felt conflicted about becoming the ‘Spaceman.’ I loved the idea of rejoining KISS but realized it was a blessing in disguise not being considered.”
When asked if he felt “hurt” about not being approached, Bruce said: “No, I understood why they chose Tommy. He was close to the band, contributing creatively and managing tours. He even played in a tribute band, COLD GIN, performing Ace‘s riffs.”
Bruce continued: “When Paul Stanley told me I was the new guitarist in ’84, they wanted me to bring something fresh. Tommy had a different role: to play Ace‘s riffs. Reflecting on it, taking that role would have conflicted with my era. I might have accepted if offered, but it would have come at a cost. Looking back, my era is more celebrated now, especially with Pophouse supporting all 50 years of the band. I was never bitter about not playing ‘Revenge’ songs; it makes performing them now special.”
In 1984, Bruce joined KISS as lead guitarist, touring until the 1996 reunion. He is prominently featured in the band’s DVDs “Kissology – Vol. 2” and “Vol. 3”, covering their extensive career.
In November 2024, Bruce told Loaded Radio why he wasn’t asked to rejoin after Ace left in 2001: “I heard about issues with Ace, and Tommy Thayer was already managing tours and involved with the band. He even covered for Ace during certain events. Tommy was the right choice because he was already integrated into the band’s operations.”
Bruce added: “If they had approached me, I might have said yes, but it would have meant losing my era’s identity. Tommy was naturally suited for the ‘Spaceman’ role, and both he and Eric [Singer] have faced criticism unfairly. They are talented musicians fulfilling their roles as chosen by Gene and Paul. For new fans, Tommy is the ‘Spaceman.’ My time with KISS had run its course.”
In an April 2020 interview with Sleaze Roxx, Kulick expressed relief at not being asked to rejoin after Frehley left: “Leaving in ’96 after the KISS ‘Unplugged’ success, I understood the appeal of the original members in makeup. When Ace faltered, Tommy Thayer seamlessly filled the role. If I had been asked, it would have been awkward, as my style differed from Ace‘s. Tommy fits the role perfectly.”
He continued: “I’m friends with Tommy and we’ve grown closer over the years. His style aligns more with Ace‘s, while mine is distinct, as heard in songs like ‘Tears Are Falling’ and ‘Unholy’. I’m proud of my contributions to KISS and the fan appreciation.”
Kulick concluded that he is content not being part of KISS‘s makeup era: “I was relieved not being asked to step in after Ace left. If I had accepted, it could have been problematic if Ace returned. At the time, I was happy with GRAND FUNK RAILROAD. It was a great gig, and I had stability.”
In various interviews, Bruce confirmed he wasn’t invited to perform at KISS‘s final show in December 2023 at Madison Square Garden.
