Alright, let’s dive into a tale of rock ‘n’ roll, nostalgia, and a bit of backstage drama.
Picture this: December 2, 2023, Madison Square Garden. KISS is delivering their final performance, a culmination of decades of face paint, pyrotechnics, and power chords. As the show concludes, amidst the smoke and cheers, a familiar riff fills the arena, “God Gave Rock ‘N’ Roll To You.” But here’s the twist: the guitar you’re hearing isn’t from the current lineup. It’s Bruce Kulick, the band’s lead guitarist from 1984 to 1996, whose recorded parts are now echoing through the venue.
Bruce Kulick, a significant contributor to KISS’s no-makeup era, wasn’t on stage that night. In fact, he wasn’t even in the audience. Despite his pivotal role in the band’s history, he wasn’t invited to the final show. Yet, his guitar work was chosen to close out the concert, a decision that left many fans and Kulick himself pondering the irony.
Reflecting on this, Kulick expressed his sentiments, noting that while he appreciated his music being part of the finale, the lack of acknowledgment felt like a missed opportunity. He believed the final show could have been a celebration of all eras of KISS, honoring past members and their contributions.
