Bruce Kulick Leaves Grand Funk Railroad After 23 Years of Performing With the Band

Bruce Kulick is no longer a member of Grand Funk Railroad.

For 23 years, Kulick performed with Grand Funk Railroad and created albums and songs with his then-bandmates. But after their Marietta, Ohio, show, the musician announced that the December 14 concert was his last one under the band's banner.

Bruce Kulick Exits Grand Funk Railroad

In his recent exclusive interview with Ultimate Classic Rock and Culture, Kulick said he started considering his future after turning 70 in 2023.

"I really wanted to look at what I wanted to do personally and creatively," he said. "I've always loved playing with Grand Funk for all of those years, but all of that travel for most weekends of every month, all year, the time involved became more and more difficult."

For 2024, Kulick reportedly aims to strengthen his own legacy and work on different projects, including a memoir and new solo music.

For the musician, his recent decision will also allow him to celebrate his era with KISS even more.

Grand Funk Railroad has yet to confirm the identity of Kulick's replacement in the band, but the former member said the new guy is "someone I know well." However, he was forbidden to talk about him.

He went on, "I was shocked at how many people were contacting me and asking about [my departure]. Look, for that band to have the same consistent guys for 23 years, that's pretty remarkable. But part of that was also everybody really understanding what their role was and what the job entailed."

Ace Frehley Comments on Playing With Vinnie and Bruce Kulick

In his interview with Ultimate Guitar, Kulick's former bandmate Ace Frehley commented on the time he played with him and Vinnie Vincent at the Creatures Fest 2022.

According to the guitarist, he is good friends with Kulick, but he does not see himself being on a full tour with either of them.

"It would be really tough to work with other guitar players who also have songs that they've written," he said. "There wouldn't be enough time - it would be a three-hour show. And at age 72, I don't feel like doing a three-hour show. I'm much happier being my own boss...There's no alcohol allowed backstage, and I surround myself with positive people."

Kulick joined KISS in 1984 but left in 1996. He briefly returned before joining Grand Funk Railroad in 2000.