Bruce Kulick Issues First Statement Following Paul Stanley Controversy

The spotlight unexpectedly shifted onto Bruce Kulick after his appearance at the KISS Kruise Landlocked event in Las Vegas. What should have been a celebratory weekend for fans turned into a conversation about credit, acknowledgment, and long-standing contributions within one of rock’s most iconic bands. The moment Paul Stanley missed the chance to recognize Kulick’s presence onstage didn’t sit well with many who watched the event unfold.

Kulick later addressed the situation publicly, sharing his thoughts on X and confirming what fans had suspected—he was proud to be there, but the lack of recognition didn’t go unnoticed. His statement arrived shortly after Stanley’s apology and helped set the tone for a more honest exchange between two musicians with shared history stretching across crucial KISS albums and tours. The conversation quickly spread across fan circles and rock media outlets.

The situation showed how sensitive the subject of legacy can be, especially in bands with decades of shifting lineups. Even a brief appearance onstage can reopen questions about respect, memory, and whether past members are given their due. Kulick’s statement wasn’t combative, but it was clear and personal—echoing the emotions many fans felt on his behalf.

Bruce Addresses the Moment Directly

Kulick’s first public comment about the event was straightforward. He confirmed he had performed “Lick It Up” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” alongside the band, calling the moment “magical.” His tone leaned more toward gratitude than confrontation, but it also carried the weight of years spent in a band whose history is often retold without proper acknowledgment for those who helped carry it forward.

He made it a point to share that the moment meant a lot to him, especially performing unmasked with the group. For longtime fans, it was a reminder of the era in which Kulick played a major role—an era that shaped the band’s survival through the late ’80s and early ’90s. His presence at the Kruise was more than a cameo; it was a nod to a chapter that deserves recognition.

Kulick’s calm and measured statement helped reset the tone of the conversation. It grounded the situation in reality instead of speculation, showing that while the oversight hurt, it didn’t overshadow the pride he has in his years with KISS. His approach opened the door for Stanley’s apology to land properly.

Paul Stanley Extends a Public Apology

Paul Stanley addressed the oversight during a Q&A panel the following day, admitting that the excitement of the show caused him to forget to credit Kulick properly. He explained that he was caught off guard when Kulick appeared onstage and was swept up in the energy of the moment. The apology felt candid, and fans present at the event said the room shifted when he acknowledged the mistake.

Stanley emphasized that Kulick is not just a former bandmate but someone who played a meaningful role in KISS’s evolution. Calling him a “member of the family,” he made it clear that his omission was not intentional. His remarks were echoed later in an interview on The Rock Experience with Mike Brunn, where he repeated his respect for Kulick and his importance to the band’s legacy.

The apology helped ease the tension that had been building online. Many fans appreciated Stanley taking responsibility, recognizing how easy it is for moments to become magnified under a spotlight. His acknowledgment also reinforced how intertwined the band’s history is with every musician who contributed along the way.

The Reunion That Sparked a Bigger Conversation

The KISS Kruise Landlocked event was already designed to be a celebration of the band’s long career, and adding Bruce Kulick to the lineup made it even more special. Performing at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, the event featured a setlist that spanned the breadth of KISS’s catalog, giving fans a rare opportunity to see different eras represented in one place. Kulick’s appearance was a highlight—a bridge between classic nostalgia and one of the band’s most accomplished guitar periods.

But the celebrations also came with several moments fans noticed immediately. According to reports from attendees and outlets like Alternative Nation, there was visible tension during parts of the show. Whether it was the surprise element or the emotions tied to revisiting old dynamics, the atmosphere created a ripple that fans kept discussing long after the performance ended.

Still, the incident ended up underscoring the importance of acknowledgment in bands with long histories. Kulick’s presence reminded everyone how much he contributed to albums like Revenge, Crazy Nights, and Asylum. The weekend closed with both musicians addressing the issue directly, turning what could have become a larger rift into a reminder of mutual respect—and how essential those moments are in preserving the band’s legacy.