Bruce Kulick Launches BK3 In Hollywood

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Bruce Kulick performs at the "BK3" release party at the Cat Club

KISSFAQ.com
Tim McPhate

Chances are the first Monday night in February in most cities in the United States is likely to be on the uneventful side. That is unless you are fortunate enough to find yourself along the famed Sunset Strip in Hollywood, Calif., where there's always some sort of musical fun happening between venues such as the Roxy, Whisky A Go Go, House of Blues, or even the Cat Club.

On Feb. 1 the latter venue is where Bruce Kulick hosted a release party in honor of his new album, "BK3." Making it an even more special occasion, Kulick -- along with band members Todd Kerns (vocals/rhythm guitar), Adam Kury (bass) and Brent Fitz (drums) -- turned in a taut hour-long set ripe with a couple of selections from "BK3" and seldom-performed non-makeup gems from the KISS canon.

Signed "BK3" release party set list

Of course, it wouldn't be Hollywood if there wasn't some sort of guest list involved. On hand to show their support for Kulick were brother Bob Kulick, "BK3" producer Jeremy Rubolino, bassist Rudy Sarzo, guitarist/"BK3" contributor Steve Lukather, Ron Jeremy of adult film fame, former Playboy model and former Eric Carr girlfriend Carrie Stevens, "Detroit Rock City" associate producer Tim Sullivan, rock photographer Neil Zlozower, Eric Singer, and Tommy Thayer. The demon himself, Gene Simmons, also made an appearance along with his family: Shannon Tweed, daughter Sophie and son Nick (more on him in a moment). Of course, where there is a Simmons quartet, a camera crew for "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" is not far behind, and tonight was no exception.

The cozy club was at standing-room capacity when Kulick and band took the stage. After tinkering with his selection of foot pedals and brandishing a beautiful red ESP Vintage Plus, Kulick officially welcomed the crowd and proceeded to launch into the opening riff of "Hell Or High Water" from "Crazy Nights." Kulick was in fine form, playing the rhythm figures and lead lines with his patented precision and spirit.

Todd Kerns

Next up was 1989's "Hide Your Heart" from "Hot In The Shade," which Kerns invited the crowd to sing along with and featured Kulick embellishing an extended solo with an improvisatory fervor.

"This is one of my favorite Paul Stanley songs," Kulick said of the next number "Tears Are Falling." Kulick was in the proverbial "zone" for this song, nailing every note of arguably his most memorable KISS guitar solo.

"Bruce, did KISS ever perform this next one?" asked Kerns. "No," Bruce smiled before leading into the Vinnie Vincent/Paul Stanley/Bob Ezrin penned "Heart Of Chrome" from 1992's fan-favorite "Revenge." The track sounded even heavier live compared to the studio counterpart, with Fitz and Kury providing a solid foundation for Kulick and Kerns' riffing. "Not bad for only one rehearsal," laughed Kulick. Indeed.

Bruce Kulick and Nick Simmons

The big "family surprise" was up next, as Kulick brought to the stage the junior Simmons for a run-through of "BK3"'s lead single "Hand Of The King." Simmons exuded a quiet confidence and animated stage presence, delivering the song's comic book-flavored vocals in a manner that recalled not only his father (with a few familiar "oh yeah" exclaims for good measure), but also touches of the late Jim Morrison. (Following the song it was announced that there would be a repeat performance. Such is reality TV.)

Nick Simmons

After the redux, Simmons was showered with a nice round of applause and then made his way off stage, with a cameraman following his every move. Kulick then summoned another "BK3" friend, this time bringing the aforementioned Rubolino to the stage to supply acoustic guitar on "No Friend Of Mine," a song co-written by Union brother-in-arms John Corabi. The atmospheric angst-filled track went down very well in a live format, supplying further evidence of the positive songwriting chemistry between Kulick and Corabi.

Jeremy Rubolino

Next up was "I Walk Alone," which Kulick announced as "the only KISS song I ever sang." Playing a detuned Paul Reed Smith, Kulick turned in an emotive vocal while supplying more dazzling fretboard wizardry to the underrated "Carnival Of Souls" finale.

Bruce Kulick

Capping the set was one of KISS' "iconic anthems," the rock religious "God Gave Rock And Roll To You II." Kerns did his best to evoke Paul Stanley throughout, even supplying the closing church-like monologue for good measure, while Kury handled Gene Simmons' lines -- all backed by Kulick's stellar guitar work. Similar to its response from the days of the Revenge tour, the song was the perfect uplifting closer.

Following the set, copies of "BK3" were made available for sale with Kulick sticking around to sign autographs and take photos. Kulick was in good spirits, chatting with the special guests in attendance and fans alike. Asked how he was feeling on the eve of "BK3"'s release, Kulick said, "I'm very excited. This album has been a lot of hard work and I'm really proud. I hope the fans enjoy it."

Yours truly with Bruce Kulick
Photos: Tim McPhate

Here are some quality fan-filmed clips courtesy of FAQ member GeneDEUCE:

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