Guitarist and record producer Bob Kulick has died at the age of 70. His passing was confirmed by his brother, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick.
Earlier today, Bruce posted the following message on social media, “I am heartbroken to have to share the news of the passing of my brother Bob Kulick. His love of music, and his talent as a musician and producer should always be celebrated. I know he is at peace now, with my parents, playing his guitar as loud as possible. Please respect the Kulick Family’s privacy during this very sad time.”
Throughout his 40-plus-year music career, Bob Kulick has worked with an array of artists: from Meat Loaf to Motörhead; from KISS to Michael Bolton; W.A.S.P. to Diana Ross; as well as legends such as Roger Daltrey, Alice Cooper, Lou Reed and Paul Stanley’s first solo LP and tour.
He began his musical profession at 16 — when most high schoolers are still trying to figure out where they’re going in life — appearing on the 1966 album Winchester Cathedral from the Random Blues Band, the “baby band” that Bob played in that played The Café Wha in New York’s Greenwich Village alongside Jimmy James and the Blue Flames (later rechristened Jimi Hendrix).
1973 saw Kulick make the connection that he has been associated the most with throughout his career. He auditioned for — and got passed over by — KISS. Instead of being dejected, the six-stringer aligned himself with the band over the years, playing on the studio material on Kiss Alive II, providing solos on the Killers album, co-writing Naked City from Unmasked and guesting on Paul Stanley’s 1979 solo album and tour a decade later. He even suggested his brother to the band.
11 Responses
Strength to Bob’s family and to Bruce and his family.
While I knew of his name, I didn’t know he was so prolific. RIP
Condolences to the Kulick Family on their loss.
Could not help but wonder if Bob joined Gene/Paul/Peter back in the 70s instead of Ace…
What character would Bob portray in the band?
What would the Kiss logo look like?
Would Kiss make it as a band and how successful would they be?
RIP
Condolences to Bruce and the Kulick family , I didn’t think or hear Bob was Sick – so this is a total shock – very sad –
Bob was a tremendous musician and guitarist and the world has lost another bright light –
Quick story about the kind of person Bob was. A couple of years ago, I attended the Atlanta KISS Expo where Bob was a special guest along with Eddie, Vinnie Vincent, Ron Keel, and others. Anyway, it was sort of a last minute decision to go so me and my family got a hotel room a few blocks from the Expo. The night before it started, I walked over to the hotel that was hosting the Expo to check things out and try to buy a ticket for the next day. I walked into the lobby and to my surprise Bob was standing there with his suitcase talking to a few people. I walked over but, kept my distance so as not to bother or intrude upon him. He looked over at me and motioned to me. I walked over and he asked my name. We shook hands and talked a few minutes. He asked if I was there for the Expo and I replied yes and I was actually looking to buy a ticket that night. He said well, I can’t help you with that but, I can take a picture with you if you want. We did and the next day at the Expo, he took another picture with me, signed some album covers, and talked to me again. Bob was truly one of the good guys. Humble and gracious with his fans and one heck of a guitarist!!! Rest In Peace Bob!
Great story,
I love hearing things like that, because many times, celebrities can be dismissive when not on camera. So, when I hear that someone is genuinely nice to their fans, it’s great.
D 🙂