August 18, 2009  EXCLUSIVE FOR CNN Ireport

My interview with Bruce Kulick this afternoon via telephone. My audio chose to bug out on me (Murphies Law?) So I did this one the "Old School Way" I suppose it is ok as Bruce is "Old School" The picture used here as the thumbnail is Bruce with Ace Frehley of KISS and the guitar He is holding is a Gibson Les Paul Ace Frehley model which belonged to "Ace" in the Killers. Bruce started out touring with Meatloaf "Bat out of hell" He is a former member of KISS and is currently on tour with Grand Funk Railroad.

The Interview

1. What was the first guitar you ever owned?

Bruce: Acoustic. The first Les Paul SG EB-3 Gibson plus an Sg

2. What is the best guitar from Les Paul?

Bruce: Late 50's conversion model "Gold Top"

***Because of the 1952 tailpiece problems and complaints,  by early 1953 the "wrap around stop bar" tailpiece/bridge  combo was adopted by Gibson on the Les Paul Goldtop)

3. How many guitars do you own?

Bruce: Over a hundred 15 Les Pauls

4.What guitarist influanced you most?

Bruce: Definatly The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and the whole British invasion. The Who, and of course CREAM is a favorite.

5. Do you have a favorite guitar player now?

Bruce: Eddie VanHalen and of course Jeff Beck.

6. What was the biggest show you ever played?

Bruce: KISS 1987 "Monsters of Rock in England, Madison Square Garden 1985 or 1986 that because I am from New York.

7. What do you think Les Paul's legacy will be to the music indusrty?

Bruce: His name on two of the most iconic guitars in music history.

8. Tell iReport your response to the death of Les Paul, How did you find out he had died?

Bruce: I actually found out on my Facebook page after somebody posted it there.

9. Closing thoughts?

Bruce: I just love the fact that so many people love music!!

Thanks Bruce for the interview on Les Paul.

Bruce has an official web site

http:www.kulick.net/

He is currently touring with Flint's own Grand Funk Railroad.

KULICK Gear
Of course you all know I use ESP Guitars. I have many Standard as well as Custom Models, including the Bruce Kulick Model: