When Bruce Kulick joined Kiss in 1984, it was clear his playing style was Hendrix-meets-Van Halen – but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t impacted by Ace Frehley.
“Ace based his playing on blues and pentatonic riffs with some twists and turns, of course,” Kulick says.
“I admired his vocabulary of riffs. It blended with Kiss songs. Every solo became a song within the song. I always strive for that approach too.”
Like many around the world, he was struck by Frehley’s death in October 2025.
“I’m compiling a file of photos with him,” he reports. “And I’m thinking of all the times we performed together, from MTV Unplugged in 1995 to Creatures Fest in Nashville in 2022. All great memories.”
Few know better than Kulick what it means to follow Frehley, let alone replicate his licks. “He defined what it means to be a rock star in many ways. He was not easily definable – and like Ace once said, he was really a plumber!”
A Hendrix devotee, Kulick was drawn to the elements of Frehley’s swagger-laced tone which drew from Hendrix’s well. It was difficult to harness.
“He loved Hendrix and Page. But his tone, his pick technique, and choice of notes were uniquely Ace. For me, he was not easy to emulate.
“His solos and playing on 100,000 Years were difficult. It has wildly syncopated riffs with interval jumps that were so special – truly in my mind it defined Ace’s approach. In my Kiss era I wanted to perform it. I kept shaking my head in awe as I recreated the riffs!”
Kulick adds: “His picking technique was unique; fingers were large and wide. The way he held his pick was special to his playing as well. Tone, I always say, is in the player’s hands. Ace had his special tone that I’d never be able to copy.”
Regardless of the expectation laid upon him, Kulick understood the assignment went far beyond even that.
“The responsibility of being the lead guitarist in Kiss was enormous. My era of the band firmly had one foot in the past but one in the future.
“That meant I was to be competitive with the new styles of guitar playing of the ‘80s. There was freedom for me to be ‘me,’ and come up with flashy but memorable solos. The tools of playing also changed from the iconic ‘70s. I had a Floyd Rose tremolo and more gain and distortion, for example.”
From 1984 to 1996 he did far more than just keep Frehley’s seat warm until his return in the ‘90s. Which is why he understands the impact of the Spaceman’s death better than many.
“I knew it would rock the music world. I remember thinking, ‘This is like Eddie Van Halen’s death.’ He influenced so many, and he was one of a kind. His legacy is monumental.”
“This Is Like Eddie Van Halen’s Death”: Bruce Kulick Remembers Ace Frehley and the Frehley-Era kiss song That Gave Him the Most Trouble
Bruce Kulick on Ace Frehley’s Monumental Legacy
Bruce Kulick, former guitarist of Kiss, reflects deeply on the profound impact of Ace frehley, the legendary original lead guitarist of the band. Kulick’s words resonate with genuine respect and admiration as he states, “I remember thinking, ‘This is like Eddie Van Halen’s death.’ He influenced so many, and he was one of a kind. His legacy is monumental.” The comparison to Eddie van Halen highlights Ace Frehley’s status as an innovative titan in the world of rock guitar-someone whose influence echoes across decades of musicians and fans.
Ace frehley’s contribution to the iconic sound and image of Kiss during their formative years remains unparalleled. From his signature riffs to his onstage persona, frehley carved out a niche that made him instantly recognizable and eternally revered.
The Challenges of emulating a Legend: The Frehley-era Kiss Song That Tested Bruce Kulick
While Bruce Kulick is a highly skilled guitarist in his own right,stepping into Frehley’s shoes brought unique challenges. He has openly discussed the specific Frehley-era Kiss song that caused him the most trouble during his tenure:
- Song: “Shock Me” – Written and sung by Ace Frehley,this song became an iconic guitar showcase featuring dazzling solos and phrasing that embodied Frehley’s signature style.
- Why it was difficult: The song’s distinctive solos required precise phrasing, tonal finesse, and an emotional intensity that defined Frehley’s playing style-qualities that Kulick found demanding to replicate authentically.
- Impact on Kulick’s playing: Tackling “Shock Me” pushed Kulick to broaden his tonal palette and technique while bringing his own touch, respecting Frehley’s essence yet staying true to his musical identity.
Bruce Kulick notes that while honoring a predecessor is a meaningful responsibility, it also serves as a catalyst for growth, encouraging musicians like himself to hone their craft and develop versatility.
Ace Frehley’s Indelible Influence on Rock Music and Guitarists
Ace Frehley’s style went beyond just technical ability.His approach to guitar was a fusion of raw power, melodic invention, and theatrical flair, transforming Kiss into a cultural phenomenon. Bruce Kulick points out that Frehley’s influence is felt across many genres and generations:
- Innovator of Guitar Effects: Frehley popularized creative use of effects like the wah pedal and fuzz in hard rock contexts.
- Showmanship and Stagecraft: His makeup, spaceship guitar, and pyrotechnic antics helped define the visual aspect of rock performance.
- Songwriting and Melody: Beyond shredding, Ace brought memorable hooks and memorable riffs that are still celebrated.
Table: Comparing Ace Frehley and Bruce Kulick – Stylistic Attributes
| Aspect | Ace Frehley | Bruce Kulick |
|---|---|---|
| Playing Style | Raw, melodic, blues-infused hard rock | Polished, technical, versatile across rock subgenres |
| Stage Persona | The Spaceman – theatrical & iconic | Less theatrical but deeply focused on musicianship |
| Signature Song | “Shock Me” | Adapted and performed “Shock Me” and other classics |
| Technical Challenges | Unique phrasing, tone, and effects | Balancing replication with original interpretation |
Firsthand Experience: Bruce Kulick’s Journey With Kiss Post-Frehley Era
Joining Kiss during a transitional phase meant Kulick had to navigate the shadow cast by Frehley’s towering presence. His experience reveals valuable lessons about adaptation and respect in rock music:
- Respecting the Past: Kulick always acknowledged the “blueprint” laid by Frehley and chose to honor it rather than imitate it blindly.
- Adding Personal flair: he infused his own style into performance and recordings, helping the band evolve while keeping the spirit alive.
- Collaboration and Growth: Working alongside other band members, Kulick helped shape Kiss’ sound in the 1980s and early 1990s, contributing to albums and live shows.
Practical Tips for Guitarists Inspired by Ace Frehley and Bruce Kulick
If you’re a guitarist inspired by Ace Frehley’s legendary style or Bruce Kulick’s evolutionary approach, consider these practical tips to enrich your playing:
- Focus on Tone: Experiment with vintage amps and effects like fuzz and wah to capture the classic Kiss sound.
- Embrace Showmanship: Stage presence can be as important as technique.Develop a persona that complements your playing.
- Balance Technique and Emotion: Work on phrasing solos that are technically sound but also emotionally engaging.
- Learn the Classics: Master songs like “Shock Me” to understand the foundations of Ace Frehley’s style.
- Add Your Signature: Don’t hesitate to bring your personality into covers and original work, as Bruce Kulick exemplified.
Legacy of Legends: Ace Frehley, Bruce Kulick, and Kiss’s Enduring Impact
Both Ace Frehley and Bruce Kulick have left indelible marks on rock music history through their work with Kiss.Kulick’s tribute to Frehley subtly underscores the immense challenge and honor of following a monumental guitarist.Their stories intersect in a legacy defined by innovation, passion, and relentless dedication to rock and roll.
Reflecting on Ace Frehley’s monumental legacy and the Frehley-era Kiss song that gave Bruce kulick the most trouble shines a fascinating light on the dynamic interplay between influence and individuality in music-highlighting why their contributions remain essential chapters in the story of Kiss and hard rock.
