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
Wow that came outta left field condolences to the Kulick family.
A talented musician gone too soon. Prominent in the background but talented none the less.
Condolences to Bruce, and the entire Kulick family. Bob contributed his excellence to many artists, especially to KISS. His work on KISS Alive II (the studio tracks) speaks for itself, as does his work on all his contributions to KISS. His performance with Bruce on the KISS Kruise in 2017 was absolutely amazing! I still get goose bumps when I watch that performance.
Thank you for sharing your gift, Bob, rest in peace.
This is very sad news….I’m sad for Bruce cuz of the relationship he recently has had with his brother. I hope they were able to find the right closure before it was too late…..
Such an eclectic career, so sad. For me, I loved his work with Bolton, when he was a rocker, and Paul Stanley’s first solo album. R.I.P.
I really loved his work on Alive II ~ “All-American Man,” “Rockin’ In The USA,” “Larger Than Life,” and especially on Killers, Bob killed it! ~ “Nowhere To Run,” “I’m A Legend Tonight,” “Down On Your Knees,” and “Partners In Crime.”
Unfortunately, Bob was uncredited on most of his contributions, but he will not be forgotten!
RIP Bob Kulick. The 4th side of Alive II and Paul Stanley’s solo KISS album will live in my heart forever. The 1989 Paul Stanley solo tour is a memory I have of you that I am fond of as well. Also, your contribution to Bat Out of Hell is something to be proud of. My condolences to all your family and friends.