Vladimir: Bruce, first of all let me thank you for this interview. Out of curiosity, did you already have contacts with any Russian fans, journalists, etc...

Bruce Kulick: I believe you are the first!!

V: What do you think about Russia today?

BK: I am excited that the Russians have much more freedom, but sad the economy isn't as good as I hoped.

V: Did you know any Russian words?

BK: Vodka!! Not really.

V: Can you please tell us a little about your roots? I know that you are of Russian descent, where are your parents from originally?

BK: Both of my Grandparents lived in Prussia. My Dad's father said his grandfather was a judge!!

V: Your last name means "little black bird with long beak which lives in the bog and eats from the sand"; it's a sandpiper I think. We have both Kulik and Kulikov last names.

BK: Yes, I was told!

V: You know, in 1992 we had one guitar forum in Moscow and the advertising for it said you would be appearing there. Did you know anything about it?

BK: No, not at all. I did judge a guitar contest by audio tape and chose a winner, but that was the extent of it.

V: When you were in KISS, were there any contacts with Russian promoters for touring in Russia?

BK: I am not sure

V: Recently KISS cancelled touring in Russia. Officially the reason was because of the war in Yugoslavia and anti-American sympathies in Moscow. KISS was the only one who cancelled touring because it; we had Prodigy, Dio, Iron Maiden, Scooter and other bands right after KISS and there weren't any problems. What do you know about the cancelled tour, and in your opinion why did KISS really cancel the tour?

BK: I believe KISS feels very vulnerable because of their fame and they did the right thing this time, even though it was unfortunate for the Russian fans

V: Can you please tell me about your famaly? Do you have a wife or children?

BK: No wife, no children. I do have a great little dog named Joe!!

V: How did you get started as a musician?

BK: I loved music and my brother got me going.

V: What you think about guitar schools?

BK: People learn with them, but you have get it from the heart.

V: Who are some of the really big guitar stars of today?

BK: Not many current guitar stars are around.... Hendrix still rules!!

V: Do you think somebody can learn to be a guitarist or you believe that you must born to be a guitarist?

BK: Both are true to certain degrees.

V: What do you think about Vinnie Vincent as a guitarist?

BK: He is very talented.

V: We know your brother Bob has worked with KISS in past, did he like it?

BK: He would tell me about it and it sounded like fun!!

V: What is Bob doing today?

BK: He is producing some very cool tribute records for people like Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, and Ozzy Osbourne.

V: Why did you and Eric have to leave KISS?

BK: Gene and Paul did not want two versions of KISS and they chose the make-up one.

V: Do you miss being with KISS?

BK: Yes, but I am also very busy with UNION and other projects.

V: Recently Ace mentioned on a radio station that the original KISS might end this year. Do you think it possible that Paul & Gene will do a new KISS tour with you and Eric Singer?

BK: I dont know what is in the future.

V: I heard you are planning to record a Bruce Kulick solo album.

BK: Yes, later in '99.

V: Your debut UNION album is very popular in Russia, especially the song called "Get Off My Cloud." That song sounds very much like Dunkan McClaud, a hero to us.

BK: Thank you!

V: Why did you decide to call the band UNION? Some fans in my country joke that you remember the "Soviet Union" and deceided to call the band UNION because of that!

BK: That is funny!!

V: You were involved in a KISS Expo tour earlier this year in Europe, how it was? Some Russians traveled to Europe just to see you!

BK: It was great! I loved it.

V: What are your plans for the future?

BK: Eric Carr CD and Video, new UNION studio disc, ESP official release with Eric, John and Karl Cochran.... and much more!

V: Do you have any plans for touring in Europe?

BK: Not right now, but I hope so.

V: Where was the new version of the Creatures Of The Night cover shot?

BK: On a rooftop in Hollywood.

V: Do you have any songs from when you were writing with KISS?

BK: Yes, lots of stuff.

V: Well, I think that's it. Thanks a lot and please write anything you want to tell your fans in Russia.

BK: Dear Kiss Army Russia: Thanks for the support and I regret not being able to come to your great country. I hope to make a visit sometime in the future and we can celebrate music and KISS together. Have a great Expo and I will keep in touch. Thanks again, Bruce