Have you ever wondered what a songwriter was thinking when they wrote a certain song? With the “inside track” it will no longer be a mystery as we speak with the musicians themselves and they give us the inside story on songs, their inspirations, the stories behind the songs and more. 

Hard rock fans know the name Bruce Kulick. He not only provided the necessary guitar leads for KISS for a dozen years, he's played with a range of legendary musicians from Meat Loaf on the Bat out of Hell tour to Billy Squier and even had a rock band with crooner Michael Bolton.  After KISS decided to kiss and make-up with Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, Bruce redoubled his efforts in a variety of projects ranging from solo albums to touring and recording with Grand Funk Railroad and of course the band he started with John Corabi, Union, which is the focus of this Inside Track. 

Bruce is a busy guy these days but he graciously took some time to answer our questions via email. So here is the Inside Track. 

Inside Track: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. While the focus of this interview is the new Union DVD, I do want to get a little into what else you have going on at the moment as well.  So you seem to be burning the candle at both ends right now with various projects and touring all summer with Grand Funk Railroad, can you tell us a little bit about what you have going on?

Bruce: I love staying busy with doing whatever I enjoy. Grand Funk is a great band and the fact that we usually do about 40 -50 shows a year gives me opportunity for the other projects like UNION, ESP, my solo discs and session work. 

Inside Track: How did the gig with Grand Funk Railroad come about? How different is that experience from your work with KISS, Meat Loaf and Union?

Bruce: Don Brewer contacted me. We met years ago when I worked with Michael Bolton. We got together and I was excited to work with the new version of GFR.  I have written a song we play live, and the fans really like the what I have added to the band. 

Inside Track: You have a pretty distinct style and sound but you've also stepped into situations where you have to play parts from other musicians that had  readily identifiable sounds.  How do you balance wanting to stay true to  the original with putting your own signature on those songs when you play them?

Bruce: You always play what talent you have, no matter how much you try even to imitate. So I do what I do and show respect to what the classic riffs were. It always works well for me and the fans. 

Inside Track: You're working on Paul Stanley's new solo CD.  Does Paul stay close to KISS sound on it or is doing like Gene did was "a**hole" and trying to tap into some of the "current" popular sounds?

Bruce: I have only worked on about half of the disc, and Paul is doing some great work. Too soon to make those opinions. 

Inside Track: Would there ever be any circumstance where you would consider rejoining KISS?

Bruce: Of course, but as long as they stay in makeup that can't happen. 

Inside Track: It's been a couple years since you released "Transformer", any plans for another solo album in the near future?

Bruce: I have songs written, but there has not been time. This early part of 2005 was to gain attention to the UNION DVD and that turned into a ESP tour and now I got busy again with GFR of course. I will start recording a new CD this year. 

Inside Track: The rock world was shocked when Dimebag was murdered.  You too had a close call when you were hit by a stray bullet on Sunset Strip.  Do you  think it's become more dangerous for rock bands these days, especially  if you join an established band, when there are deranged people out   there that might have some delusional slight in their mind and they threaten musicians?

Bruce: The world is a dangerous place and there are too many people who can get guns easily. Nuff said.

Inside Track: Now on to the DVD.  How did this project come about?

Bruce: We were filmed at our warm shows in LA back in October 2001. I knew it might be a while until UNION could be touring etc, so in time it was put together by a friend on mine Jack Sawyers. I was there every step of the way, and am proud of the DVD.

Inside Track: Is there anything that you wanted to put on the DVD that didn't make it or you are saving for another DVD?

Bruce: Not really. I know some fans may have great footage that didn't get it to us, but I think the extras are really strong. 

The Inside Track: Ok this is a bit different since we usually do this with albums but it will work basically the same way.  We'll go track by track on the DVD and if you can give us any background info on the song or performance. Whatever you like, a funny story associated with the song or the inspiration.  Why it was selected for the DVD? Whatever comes to mind.

Bruce: well. This was our set.. It fit what we were doing.. Best of the two UNION studio discs. etc. 

Do Your Own Thing

Strong opener... catchy tune! 

Everything's Alright

Our Beatle homage

Who Do You Think You Are

Nasty riff, nasty lyric

Old Man Wise

First song from the first UNION disc, defines our sound 

Around Again

Same here... long tune that gets you going

Heavy D

Corabi's take on addiction... (only thing he was ever addicted to was women btw!)

Star Spangled Banner

I like the Hendrix thing.. could of done is slower that night

Jungle

Great KISS track that I co-wrote and get to really play around with at the end

Love (I Don't Need It Anymore)

Catchy tune from the debut disc

Hypnotized

Beatley tune.. love this one

Pain Behind Your Eyes

moody track that rocks

Power To The Music

Something from Motely Crue that John kills on 

I Walk Alone

My KISS vocal tune with strong riffs from me and Mr Simmons 

Man in the Moon

Something from the SCREAM done UNION style.. I get to Zep it up in the blues section

Inside Track: What kind of bonuses did you include on the DVD?

Bruce: Tour footage, merch pix, photo gallery that is amazing, bonus song, and a whole nother concert from Musicians Institute in LA.

Inside Track: Where can fans get the DVD?

Bruce: www.kulick.net    or   www.kissshop.com      or     www.kissmuseum.com

Inside Track: Forgive the pun but what is the state of Union at the moment?  I know John Corabi has a lot on his plate at the moment too, but is there any chance of you guys getting together again for another tour or album?

Bruce: We are looking at going to Europe in November December 2005

Inside Track: Ok a few more questions You've seen a lot in the business through the years.  Do you think things have improved overall or gotten worse?  Has the Internet really changed anything for bands?

Bruce: Internet helps in a big way.  

Inside Track: What do you think the biggest misconception that fans have about the  business or being a rock star?

Bruce: That we party all the time! HA HA

Inside Track: What have been your three proudest moments as a musician?

Bruce: Playing Madison Square Garden, MTV Unplugged, Forever Guitar solo! 

Inside Track: Who have been your favorite musicians to work with over the years?   Who would you love to work with?

Bruce: Would love to play with McCartney or Sting...  I have been blessed jamming and gigging with great players all my life. 

Inside Track: If you could do it all over again, would you do anything different?

Bruce: In High School I would of taken the offer of Stand Up Bass ... (had to go to Hebrew School! )

Inside Track: Finally, what's next for Bruce Kulick?

Bruce: More of everything.. music, shows etc.

If you need more info on the DVD or want to purchase it, visit Bruce's official website for that and to get the full 411 on all of his projects, see if he's coming to your town with Grand Funk this summer and more.