Bruce Kulick Faced Death: KISS Reunion and his Heart Surgery - Beardo&Weirdo Ep 87

Bruce Kulick, lead guitarist of KISS from 1984 to 1996, sits down for his first major interview since surviving open heart surgery earlier this year. Diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve over a decade ago, Kulick details the full story of his valve replacement — from the initial diagnosis in Sherman Oaks to the four-hour procedure at Dignity St. Rose hospital in Henderson, Nevada — and explains why proactive cardiac monitoring saved his life before he became, in his own words, "a walking time bomb."

The conversation covers Kulick's sternum recovery, his month sleeping in a recliner, the physical therapy that rebuilt his strength, and the emotional shift that followed. Kulick describes feeling more energy and clarity than before the surgery, crediting his wife Lisa and surgeon Dr. De Sheer for the outcome. He also shares the bizarre post-angiogram complication no doctor warned him about and the KISS fan profusionist who told him, "I kept you alive for 80 minutes."

Beyond the health story, Kulick opens up about the KISS MTV Unplugged taping that catalyzed the original lineup reunion, why he called the KISS farewell show at Madison Square Garden "a missed opportunity," and his current relationship with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. He reveals that a new solo album is underway with collaborators Todd Kerns, Brent Fitz, Zach Thorne, and songwriter Joe McGinnis — including a song called "Without Her" written during recovery about Lisa's role in his survival.

Chris Kael of Five Finger Death Punch and comedian Craig Gass host this episode of Beardo and Weirdo, recorded in Las Vegas. Kulick reflects on meeting Brian May in 1975, the Vinnie Vincent Nashville performance, and why the non-makeup era of KISS deserves more recognition from newer fans discovering the catalog on streaming platforms.

Kulick closes with a message about proactive health for the rock and roll community — get physicals, listen to doctors, and follow recovery instructions to the letter.