KISS "30 Years of Revenge" by Bruce Kulick

May 19th, 1992 was the release date of the KISS album "Revenge". With the album's 30th Anniversary, I share my story here as the lead guitarist in KISS.
I am so proud of "Revenge". It stands the test of time, and the experience making this music has been a thrill of my lifetime. In addition to my thoughts on creating the album, I show the gear, and guitars that I used in making this great music. I also perform live many of the songs on "Revenge" for your enjoyment.
I touch upon the tragedy of losing KISS drummer Eric Carr and discuss his replacement, current KISS drummer Eric Singer. Producer Bob Ezrin with his brilliant direction was another story I share in my "30th Anniversary of Revenge".
Paul Stanley / Guitar and Vocals
Gene Simmons / Bass and Vocals
Bruce Kulick / Guitar
Eric Singer / Drums
Eric Carr / Drums
Produced by Bob Ezrin
Chris Steinmetz - Engineer
Niko Bolas - Engineer
George Tutko -Engineer
Mick Guzauski - Mix Engineer
Thanks to all the creative photographers and journalists who covered KISS for the Revenge release.
Photographers:
Neil Zlozower
Mark Weiss
Ross Halfin
Glen LaFerman
William Hames
Glen Wexler
Eddie Malluk
Anna Maria DeSantis
Ana Summa
Jack Sawyers
Marty Temme
Journalists:
Gerri Miller
Lonn Friend
Modechai Kleidermacher
Elianne Halbersberg
Dennis Hunt
Kevin Michaels
Levine/Schneider / Band Publicists
Sharni Quittenton / Graphic art design
Michael Edwards / Archivist
Larry Mazer / Management

[@johnmccarthy7460]

THE BEST KISS ALBUM IN HISTORY OF KISS WITH OUT QUESTION.. #1. THIS ALBUM IS AWSOME!!

[@shane1v]

you are a loon LOL That said it's a good album.

[@shandonsahm3343]

What??? Lol u on crack?? It's not better then Rock and roll O. Or destroyer or love gun..or hotter than hell.. Peter's Solo LP 78 is better than revenge.. lyrics are horrible. Just listen to the creepy.. take it off...73 to 79 is the reason everyone likes kiss had they came out w out makeup n had revenge they're would not be as popular as they are it's the classics not the poison look when they were ripping off every hair band around lol 😂😂

[@gonzosx]

And you should be proud of Revenge Bruce! It's one of the greatest albums ever. I first heard Spit on the radio and I could not believe it was Kiss. It's kind of like the non makeup creatures of the night.

[@martinrossi6607]

Well said! 💯

[@jessecantu4284]

You heard "spit" in the public radio?

[@theeclecticguitaristjaydia6894]

@@jessecantu4284 yes I was living in San Diego at the time I remember the broadcaster saying he couldn't believe it was kiss everybody was talking about the new album revenge. Yes first song I ever heard was spit if I remember correctly I believe they played the whole album over the weekend all the time it was an amazing time to be a kiss fan

[@jessecantu4284]

@@theeclecticguitaristjaydia6894 Oh, well *I* first heard was the *iconic* song "rock and roll all nite." I honestly can't remember as it was *years* ago when I first heard *one* of kiss' songs during the mid 2000s. And the songs I heard played by kiss in the public radio was, war machine and parasite, but *mostly* detroit rock city, rock and roll all nite (live) *and* lick it up, for what I can remember. But at least I own *all* kiss' studio albums, even their *solo* albums that were made in 1978, and own some of their *live* albums as well

[@yeahsure8323]

Yes Vinnie Vincent should be proud for writing the good songs on this album

[@TheArtofGuitar]

This and Creatures were big reasons why I grew to love heavy music. Awesome work Bruce!

[@wightclaudia]

This and Creatures is what finally got me to understand and enjoy KISS

[@jemstar3388]

It’s sad hearing Eric Carr’s backing vocals knowing that this was his last recording he did with KISS may he Rest In Peace.

[@jamestate5059]

Don't think Carr was on any of this album

[@darkbluebossa]

The best KISS album since Creatures of the Night. One of KISS best albums overall.

[@andysalter7192]

C'mon no Lick it Up ?? That album is a sister album to creatures!

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Animalize and Asylum both rule.

[@darkbluebossa]

@@andysalter7192 Yeah, it´s cool, but I prefer ´Creatures´ production. Eric Carr sounded like thunder on that album. I feel really sorry that he couldn´t record on Revenge.

[@V3ntilator]

Funny thing is that best Kiss albums were Vinnie Vincent albums.

[@darkbluebossa]

@@V3ntilator true. Vinnie was a real good songwriter

[@chocolatecharlie1976]

The absolute best KISS album front to back!

[@chrisi123]

and how come they dont play one Song from Revenge at the End of the Road TOUR.

[@polsey74]

Words really can't express how I feel about this album...one of their best and one that will resonate with me forever!

[@stevedamien638]

Scott-haha yes thats the problem somehow most who comment weren't born before the 1990s so their"childhood" music soundtracks are the worst years of the legendary bands that all cashing in nowadays.

[@leokimvideo]

Has to be up in the top 3 Kiss albums. Kiss slip so comfortably into the heavier hard rock / metal sounds but never seem to stay there for long. Bruce's work on Revenge is faultless, but all his work with Kiss was the same. Nice to see how the vintage gear was used to get the great sounds. Hopefully lessons here for young musicians looking for the illusive special sound.

[@marianalcleas153]

Best line up...Bruce play awesome, My favorite Kiss guitarrist Revenge magnificent álbum!!!

[@Kissfan96dr]

This album was exactly what KISS fans were looking for after 3 long years. thank you Bruce for delivering an unforgettable performance.

[@eclecticx]

KISS was never stronger musically than in this incarnation. Stanley was at his zenith vocally, Simmons actually played bass, Kulick was absolutely fierce on guitar, and my God, Singer, holy damn, incredible drumming. My top 5 albums: Revenge, Creatures, Destroyer, Lick It Up, and Rock n' Roll Over. The last album, that was my introduction to the band. An older cousin brought over the LP (I hadn't yet hit puberty). There began a lifelong fandom, one that greatly benefitted me. I would not be the person I am, nor would I be where I am, without them leading the way in self-belief.

[@karlsalocks]

Bruce is a freakin pro. And honestly, listen to his solos on Asylum or something. Or Revenge. Guy was ready to be a Mike Landau studio machine. KISS is WAY more lucky that I think they may realize

[@zachsmusicandcomics]

They absolutely had no idea what they had with Bruce. He brought an unmistakable quality and style to the band. You instantly know when it's Bruce playing. A true musician, in every sense of the word.

[@revwillyg6450]

Revenge blew my mind when it came out. It was just heavy, badass, and inspired. Still so many of my favorite Kiss songs to this day. Thanks, Bruce

[@revwillyg6450]

@wesley wild Saw that tour too! First time seeing Kiss as well. Remember Take it Off with all the strippers on stage? Lol lotta boobies 🤣🤘🏻

[@MetalHeart8787]

it was Good & better than Hot in the shade, But it wasn't perfect. I like unholy & several songs off it. for 1992 it was Good, BUT the 1994 album they were working on is where Kiss did sell out to "alternative" Thankfully The Reunion came & put that on hold.

[@RevolutionRicky]

I always loved that album...the best KISS album of the non makeup years.

[@dirkvanderpoel6797]

I was so proud of the band in the days. Got a signed copy by all band members from Fame Amsterdam in May 92

[@loveiseternity]

My favourite non-make up album. Solid tracks from start to finish.

[@josez1]

Revenge was such a HUGE rebirth of KISS. Dark and mean. I loved it !!

[@paulsizemore8285]

I rocked the hell outta that album when it came out the best kiss had sounded in years or probably since thanks Bruce love the album

[@lglstar]

Happy 30th Anniversary Revenge. What an amazing album. The band was firing on all cylinders. Thank you Bruce Kulick for your amazing guitar work and for sharing.

[@LadaHusakLH]

Love this album with same passion that I love Destroyer or the 1974 original. That says it all I guess.

[@josefo33]

Master piece, to me, Revenge is the best Kiss album by far.

[@DavidM-mb1vx]

Wow really? Better than KISS, HTH, DTK, RARO, COTN?

[@hcondivine]

@@DavidM-mb1vx yes

[@marcostejada4525]

Destroyer ,Creatures and Revenge the best album of Kiss . With Revenge star my love with Kiss in 92 .Thanks Bruce . greatings from Argentina

[@gregsimmons694]

JESUS SAVES! Saw Bruce at a guitar clinic years ago! Tears are falling my favorite kiss song!

[@breckdonavonbush6378]

Bruce... I love revenge.... I do. Honestly i wanna know more about Carnival of Souls. Something about that album i can listen to it over and over. Still wish the era band was still together. You rocked!!!!

[@robertjose6086]

Still my fav kiss studio album close second by a hair is Carnival of souls I got into kiss because of the live albums but when Revenge came out i couldn't believe what I listening to I am still surrounded by hard core kiss nuts going back to the 70's and this album comes up as a fav in conversations all the time

[@davek6917]

I was 11 when it came out. I had gotten a Hot In the Shade shirt when I was 10 before I even realized KISS was a band. I LOVED that sphinx shirt. But at that point I didn't have a strong opinion. My mom took me to England in the spring of 92 (I'm from Ottawa, Ontario) to visit family. I remember a massive Revenge display at the HMV in Piccadilly Circus. I recognized the logo immediately. It felt like it was everywhere. By this time I had heard Come On and Love Me on the radio and had realized KISS was a band and not just a cool shirt. The DJ in that moment had described Kiss as "that band your parents forbade you from listening to" back in the day, before he played it. He had my attention. I fell in love with Come on and love me right away. I also loved what i saw in England... AND THEN I saw the Domino video. HOOOOLY shit. Must buy album now. THEN I see the Unholy video. Pleasure overload. Anyway, Revenge is up there for me with Master Of Reality and Master of Puppets. I still wear my Revenge shirt i got for my 12th birthday 30 years later. I've bought spares for when that shirt wears out. Thanks Bruce. You're a HUGE part of the reason I listen to KISS, metal in general, and play guitar. Just a straight up hero.

[@michaellively9692]

My favorite song on this album was every time I look at you, I could almost hear a country feel to that track.

[@Skyrider68]

Thanks for the memories, Bruce! Among the very best KISS albums in the catalog, IMHO. A real keeper. 🎖

[@kissfaq]

Thanks for putting this together Bruce!

[@darrenparkin8954]

This album got me interested in KISS. It is a masterpiece wish this line up had released more albums

[@DaveMcIntyre]

Mr. Kulick - THANK YOU for all of your contributions to all music. You are an extremely talented and melodic player whose sound will be remembered forever

[@WestonHarris16]

This is not only my favorite KISS album, but it is my favorite album of all time.

[@toddstringer6271]

This is and has always been my favourite KISS album since the moment I first heard it!

[@mikeintampa250]

Hi Bruce I saw that tour, it was a great show! You were definitely at the top of your game.

[@indymudshow]

omg what I'd give to have those vocal tracks and guitar tracks all released like that. they sound amazing and you can pick them apart and hear just how great they are

[@javtimestwo]

Do you know about the unreleased song, "Do You Wanna Touch Me Now" that was written by Snake Sabo and Paul? No fans have heard it but the track exists. Ezrin felt it was not good enough for the album. I hope Paul or Gene releases that someday

[@kainurkkala8414]

So underrated album, but we know that its pure magic!!!. Thanks for this journey to the 90's

[@jasoncherry4221]

kiss has always been my favorite band and loved the area with ace and was devastated when he left but always followed kiss but when Bruce came in he instantly became my favorite guitarist and revenge became my favorite kiss album and still is.Bruce rules!!thank you Bruce for all the music over my life

[@julioramos6921]

I love the history that you add to the music of KISS, very important this info, please talk about one of the hidden kiss hits - Time Traveler

[@noomwai76]

Thanks so much Bruce. This brings back many memories of when the band (MY BOYS!) were better than ever and life was simpler.

[@Verdademundial]

Thank you Bruce for this chest of beautiful memories from one of KISS' most iconic records! As a photographer, I loved seeing archives from this era! Congratulations on the production!

[@metallian2952]

Thanks Bruce for the trip down memory lane, it was a great time to be a KISS fan. The album is a highlight in the KISS catalog.

[@georgew2432]

As a Canadian kid I pre ordered this album got it on release it was my first ever 'compact disc', used to listen to it before I'd go play hockey

[@Playitstraight44]

Revenge is one of those records that truly hit late when the grunge scene was coming in. I think if this had been put out instead of Hot in the Shade, it likely would have been a double platinum seller. Your work was stellar and should have landed you in the Hall of Fame for that record alone. Great, great performance. I do however want to say this once. As an artist that works in certain circles, I understand the importance of professional courtesy that is part of your reputation in the business. I admire and take note of how well you have handled the perceived slights that have come from Mr. Stanley, especially in that bio- piece which I felt was highly self-serving and incredibly low brow to those who got him where he sits. As much as he wants to believe he did it by himself, no one gets to these positions in life without surrounding themselves with great (and reliable ) talent. He's tried to dilute and diminish everyone's contributions at every turn and has always opted out of giving kudos even when the moment was glaring to do so. Maybe its time to let go of the professional courtesy he has always enjoyed, but never gives in return. Your reputation in the music industry is secure. Speak from the heart without any regard for whether he will like it. You've earned that position and he no longer owns KISS. Be free...

[@carlosalbertovz]

The very first album I bought by Kiss when I was 14 years old. Then I bought Alive. My favorite non-makeup era album by far

[@calexvideo]

ASTOUNDINGLY BRILLIANT GUITAR WORK!!! SUPERB, EPIC & SUBLIME ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!! 🎸MIGHTY BRUCE!!!

[@ricardomaldinicba2022]

Me llegó justo en mi cumpleaños número 59 gracias bruce

[@Skazellino]

Awesome! Revenge is an amazing album. Thanks Bruce.

[@SilkandScrooge]

I wish they kept going in this direction for the whole 90s and saved a reunion for later.

[@Rick-O-Shay60]

Bruce brought KISS to the forefront of rock at the time. It was the guitar wizardry, and heavy metal riffs of Bruce Kulick that brought KISS to the next level. KISS had never sounded better, (nor would ever) and if not for the band's decision to go the ""Reunite"" back to playing originals route... who knows. Thanks Bruce, without a doubt, you were the most talented lead guitar in the band.

[@Rick-O-Shay60]

Sub'd.

[@oldmanpatriot1490]

30 years,,, Wow........ When you say it like that, it really makes feeling old a reality..... I had already been a kiss fan for 18 years in 91'... Boy,,, Time really flies... Even with all that has happened since then,,, It truly seems like yesterday and the years keep getting shorter.... We love you Bruce.. Hope all is well..

[@henryboss7372]

This is my absolute all time favorite Kiss record.. I was In 11th grade when it was released.. It is and always will be my go to Kiss album. Heart of Chrome is one of my favorites and also Spit.. I also had the pleasure of seeing the Revenge tour In Ames Iowa one night and Cedar Rapids Iowa the very next night..best times of my life listening to Revenge. Although we haven't met, you were a part of that Bruce.. Thank you sir..

[@monkabuda]

Mr. Kulick thank you for sharing this!!! You are an amazing artist and Revenge is one of the greatest KISS albums!!! I absolutely love the history you have provided for us fans!!!

[@krazykat64]

This album so came out of left field for me. After the “yeah, I guess it’s pretty good” glam stuff of the 80’s when I first heard Revenge I jumped up and shouted “KISS is REALLY back baby!”. Such a solid line up. Absolutely 100% the pinnacle of the no make up era and I was really looking forward to more before the reunion derailed it all.

[@jonathannelson209]

I still think about how much better it would have been if there was no reunion.

[@rocketdude2969]

Bruce Revenge is KISS at its best . That album is still my favorite KISS album and still holds up today . Gene was on target with Domino and Thou shalt not and Paul killed it with Take it off and I just wanna . Every song was just balls to the walls rock n roll and I loved it . I still listen to the album and remember the summer of 92 and how my favorite band was going strong .

[@gregcrane4953]

Take It Off was incredible.

[@MartinAlvarado]

This is the best KISS line up ever and Bruce Kulick is not only their best guitar player ever but their best musician. I saw them in Argentina four times in one week, if I remember right , and they were fantastic, much better than the reunion shows. So sad that rock fans needs drama, drug abuse, smashed cars and missed planes to be a "real rocker".

[@claudiojaviersalgado6358]

the Best Album.... my God..!!! gracias Bruce..!!! Grandes recuerdos en Obras Sanitarias 1994 - Buenos Aires - ARGENTINA - ES UN SENTIMIENTO NO PUEDO PARAR..!!!!

[@philmccracken7520]

if only eric carr played on the whole album omg what a album it would have been ! RIP ERIC CARR !

[@doc25000]

I saw this tour in SoCal in San Bernardino at the Orange Pavilion, with Trixter and a local band opening the show, KILLER SHOW! Bruce's finest guitar playing was on this record! There hasn't been a KISS record as good since then...

[@dymbag1]

I absolutely love revenge and more so Bruce’s guitar tone and playing . Bruce is such an under rated player and one of my all time favourites

[@DWyn-xq4yf]

Insightful, respectful, tasteful retrospective of a 100% awesome hard rock record. Zero shade. You're a classy guy Bruce. 🤘

[@adriantrusca1245]

Metal record.

[@Poolrider72]

I remember buying the Hit Parader magazine with Gene and Paul on the front, opening it up and was so excited with the new look! They were back in black leather and looked tough. I was so excited about the new album and look I couldn’t sleep that night. Got the album on the first day available and it didn’t disappoint. One of the best of non make up era. The tour was awesome as well. The opening with Creatures was so exciting. This album seems to have been marginalized over the years but now seems to be getting the respect it deserves. The Extreme Close Up video followed and was one of their best videos to date. Great job Bruce, one of the highlights of the band for

[@mattmanning3731]

Love this! Happy tears! Bruce , Thank you for doing this.

[@ronaldanderson4185]

I remember when this album came out my friends and me respected the 70's make-up Kiss but for us the 80's was about kiss with no makeup & animalize, turn on the night, smashes thrashes & Hits, hot in the shade and Revenge but sad that the Fox Mr Eric Carr passed of stomach cancer. Later found out about his real name was Paul Carravela and he was a appliance repair technician before his dreams came true. And us 15 yr old teens Bruce Kulick and Eric Carr were every drummers dream and guitar players desire to be. And you two guys were awesome 👍 and humble yourself to appreciate the fans thank you

[@JustinSmithPYRO]

Take it off, heart of chrome, thou shall not and domino are my personal favorites. But this album absolutely kicks ass 🤘🤘 and Am so glad the Carr jam was on there too. Still can't believe he is gone. Best drummer KISS ever had. Thank you Bruce 🤘🤘 you sir are one awesome dude. You and Ace are my 2 favorites

[@BigDirtySS]

Loved you since Kiss Alive 3 Bruce you’ve always been my fave.

[@rjlong89]

Right on man. Always loved REVENGE

[@romainlavoie1526]

The Revenge album and Tour were extraordinary! I was there that night at the Bell Center here in Montreal . It was pure magic . We knew the moment we listened to the album that it was going to be a KISS classic Tour and bought our tickets quickly! And indeed it was ! To this day, this concert remains along Iron Maidens Quebec City show during the World Slavery Tour my favorites ever !

[@getchapull4370]

My favourite non Kiss make up album by a country mile, also saw them on this tour, part of my youth which I treasure, thank you guys so much for the music and memories, priceless!!! Cheers

[@lysaarvideo]

I lost all faith in Kiss in the late 80s. When "Revenge" came out I was SO proud on your behalf. The enormous dedication on that album is still tangible 30 years later. Music is a great healer.

[@mikehatch1967]

Not only was it Awesome for the fans but made us PROUD

[@clintlucas7604]

The absolute BEST Bruce Kulick album bar far!!!!!!!!

[@Xposurephoto]

This album remains one of my favorite KISS albums.

[@tonyruiz1976]

My favorite KISS lineup 😊This Album is one of the best albums of the band together with Creatures, Animalize, Asylum, crazy, hot in the Shade 😎 and Bruce Kulick is definitely my favorite lead guitar player 🎸of the band,IMHO 🤔KISS RULZ 🙂🤘

[@Truthkiller13]

My first and favorite KISS album (I'm 35 yrs old)

[@Fredsen1711]

fav kiss album along with creatures and alive

[@eap1255]

Thanks, Bruce (and the other guys) for this fantastic piece of work and art ❤

[@jamesrenfro9770]

Unholy - Take it off - Domino - I just wanna All perfect and bad ass songs start to finish!!! Killer album! Thanks for contributing to the soundtrack of my youth, Bruce!

[@optimalsettings]

My favourite kiss era! Heaviest kiss album.

[@ldogin]

Thanks for letting us in on your guitars you used. The instruments speak well on each song, so to speak. :) rock on

[@luissantiago7525]

Kick ass album. This Kiss lineup is best one beside the original line up.

[@alfiend331]

I was in college when this was released. I'd been a fan since elementary school, so I'd seen the ups and downs of the band's career. This album was mind-blowing...and a welcome return to KISS as a force to be reckoned with. Without a doubt, this is the best of the non-makeup albums. Even 30 years later, it still sounds fresh and relevant.

[@lucyfuir6386]

Definitely one of the best albums kiss did. I remember when this came out I couldn't wait to get it. Then I saw the tour.

[@tdanielskiss]

You're too cool, Bruce. I'm so glad I got to meet you in 1988 on the Crazy Nights tour in Columbus, OH at the Ohio Center. I met Eric and Gene too. Your work on Revenge and all the albums you played on was superb!

[@KarmaNDuality]

By far my favorite KISS album, bar none. I remember jamming to this all the time, and Gene was in the spotlight on full display, and he did not disappoint. R.I.P. Mr. Eric Carr... one of my favorite drummers of all time. And it was a damn shame what Gene and Paul did to him... it is unforgivable.

[@mmurphy3608]

So cool. Awesome album. Bruce playing Domino on the couch-fantastic.

[@mikehatch1967]

My favorite for sure and came out at a special time for me challenging and Revenge helped me soar

[@bcardamone]

Remember it well …. Awesome work by all of the band. Timeless kiss stuff

[@JayLand1973]

One of my absolute favorites!

[@gabrielfainstein876]

Listening to Kiss is one of the big pleasures of my life. What can I say? I love you all and I thank you. Bruce #1

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Thanks for all your hard work Mr. K. It showed with this album.

[@silviastanley1646]

Thanks for this video. Thanks for remembering Eric Carr ♡

[@kathysmith6660]

My absolute favorite KISS album, every song on it kicks ass! Never be another band like KISS!! You wanted the best.....

[@kissfandepot.dougeprice]

Bruce, Thank you for putting your heart and soul into keeping the KISS non make-up years to life and never forgetting the great albums you toured for and recorded. From Animalized to Carnival of Souls. You guitar playing on all the albums was bar none what made each of those albums your own touch and making those KISS albums some of the best KISS recorded. I been a KISS hard-core fan since 1976 and the 80s-90s KISS Iwas a big part of my life and my dreams come true by interviewing you and the other members of KISS when running the KISS ALIVE FAN CLUB then KISS FAN DEPOT . Hot In The Shade Tour was one of my favorite tours even to this day. I thank you so much for your kindness to myself and to KISS ALIVE FAN CLUB and thank you for after 30 years later of the release of Revenge. God bless and look for to see your band in concert soon.

[@TheFerry7791]

My favourite album!

[@MarkAmazingo]

Revenge has always been one of my favorite albums and it made the public realize KISS was still cool. Gene was back with a vengeance and so was the sound of the band. Everyone’s contributions were killer. Thanks for your amazing work on Revenge Bruce! It stands the rest of time 😎

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

The albums you played on will always be my favorite KISS albums. It really ticked me off when they formed the original lineup. I mean I'm glad people got to see that era but I wanted to see you live :(

[@ACEDBH]

Revenge was definitely their heaviest album! Carnival was very heavy too! Revenge is my favorite record from the non makeup era! I wish Eric Carr could’ve been around longer to see the success. Much love and respect to you, Bruce!

He Bruce. Big fan of the album here. Definetely in the top rock album from the 90s. Regards from Ecuador.

[@ALF.Argentina]

Thanks for a beautiful review of my favorite album ever! 🙌💿🤟