Guitarist and 'KISS secret weapon' Bob Kulick, known for works with Lou Reed and Meat Loaf, dies at 70
Bob Kulick, a guitarist who performed with KISS, Meat Loaf, and Lou Reed, has died. Kulick was 70.
The news was shared by his brother, Bruce Kulick, on social media, on May 29. "I am heartbroken to have to share the news of the passing of my brother Bob Kulick," he wrote. "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," he said, adding, "Please respect the Kulick Family’s privacy during this very sad time."
Currently, there are no further details known on Kulick's death.
In 1972, Kulick initially auditioned for KISS, who were unknown at the time, but the role of guitarist ended up going to Ace Frehley, who had auditioned right after Kulick, states Yahoo! Entertainment. Five years later, the band recruited Kulick for their album 'KISS Alive II' and he secretly recorded for them. He continued to quietly record on more their albums including 'Unmasked', 'Killers', and 'Creatures of the Night', in addition to Stanley's 1978 eponymous solo album.
Kulick spoke with Ultimate Classic Rock in a 2018 interview on keeping his work with KISS a secret. "In this circumstance, being friends with Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley], it was important to me that when they said ‘This has to be between us and us only,' that I’m going to keep my word," he said at the time, adding. "It’s all about integrity, and that’s how I’m able to keep going." Kulick continued, "I make great music; I don’t settle. I never went for the easy way: 'Oh, just take the money.' I never did that, it’s just not me. I never recorded an artist and took their money if I thought they were below the bar line, like ‘this is going to be embarrassing.' It wouldn’t help them, it wouldn’t help me."
Kulick was also lead guitarist on Lou Reed's 1975 album 'Coney Island Baby'. Additionally, he worked with Meat Loaf, Michael Bolton, Diana Ross, and W.A.S.P. Bob also had his own music projects. He co-wrote a popular song, Sweet Victory, that played on Nickelodeon's 'SpongeBob SquarePants'.
Fans on Twitter shared their love of Kulick and their support for his brother Bruce. "Your family’s in our prayers. Your brother was a legend and has his place in Kisstory," said a fan while another wrote, "My condolences. He was an amazing guitarist and KISS' secret weapon. RIP." On fan said, "My sympathies to you and your family. Loved his work on Paul's solo album, and lead work on "The Idol" from W.A.S.P.'s "The Crimson Idol" is still the best to this day, gives me chills."
A number of famous musicians, including KISS, gave their tributes for the legendary guitarist. "We are heartbroken. Our deepest condolences to the Kulick family in this difficult time," KISS wrote on their official Twitter account. Keyboardist Derek Sherinian tweeted, "I am very sad to hear about the passing of Bob Kulick. I played on several tribute records in the 90s that Bob produced. My condolences to his family and especially Bruce. R.I.P. #BobKulickRIP :(."
Singer Jeff Scott Soto wrote: "Ugh, another peer, colleague & someone I considered friend has passed. I worked with Bob Kulick on many recordings through the years, most notably the many tribute albums he produced. My condolences to his brother Bruce and extended Kulick family."