BRUCE KULICK Reports From ROCK 'N ROLL FANTASY CAMP
2000 MAN
signed on to serve as "counselors" at this month's Rock 'n Roll
Fantasy Camp. The cost of the five-day retreat, which will take place
Feb. 15-19 in Hollywood, is $9,499, according to organizers. The camp
culminates in a Battle of the Bands blowout at the House of Blues on
Sunset in Hollywood, California. Other musicians who are participating
include Paul Stanley (KISS), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Bret Michaels
(POISON), Sully Erna (GODSMACK), and Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER).
Kulick has issued the following Camp update via the official KISS web
site, KissOnline.com:
"As you all know, as a former member of KISS for 12 years, I was so
excited that at this L.A. 2007 [Rock 'n Roll Fantasy] Camp, Paul
Stanley would be one of the special guests. So of course we were busy
all morning getting the 'Shout It Out Loud' tune, as I wanted it to be
great for Paul.
"We rehearsed that one, and our cover choice, which would be 'Any Way
You Want It' by JOURNEY. My singer Marti, who has strong pipes, was
very excited that the band was getting it together quickly. We also
had to work on the BEACH BOYS song called 'Surfin' Safari', and
getting the cool vibe for that material, being so different from KISS
and JOURNEY really put my band through the paces! But that is what the
camp is about, a crash course in learning and playing music along with
meeting the stars.
"The afternoon came quick, and sure enough Paul arrived promptly and
with his tech Francis who also has worked with me. Paul was absolutely
excited about the bands, and I was shocked at how patient he was
showing them guitar riffs, bass parts, and vocal notes in each room. I
accompanied him through about 9 of the 13 rehearsal rooms.
"The campers were so excited and they were blown away with the fact
their idol was in the same rooming singing and jamming with them. I
caught some great performances and I must say that Paul was
overwhelmed at times, and gracious with the admiration of the campers.
"He took photos and signed things for them, and before I said goodbye
to Paul I told him what an amazing job he did being at the camp, and
that I looked forward to the event at the House of Blues on Monday.
"My room was filled with press, and video with the stage lights on,
but we got through the KISS song with smiles on our faces. I did my
best Gene on bass, and just asked Paul to sing along as much as he
wanted. I was proud of my band. I also need to tell you all I forgot
one of my guitarists in my lineup from Day Two blog! I have been
working very hard, so this blog is not easy to keep my wits. Don is
the fourth of my guitar players and he is quite a KISS fan as well, so
playing for Paul was a dream for sure.
"A few deep breaths after the day with Paul, and I shouldn't forget
Mickey Hart from THE GRATEFUL DEAD stopping by to meet the campers and
it was time for a great dinner.
"Sadly I spilled a nice latte on my pants and shirt, and had to get
back to my house for a quick change as I committed to more work of
course! An hour later I was back and did a great interview for a HBO
production on the world of guitars, and it was always a pleasure
sharing my passion for the instrument and the players who made it
famous.
"I took the night off early, if you can say it was only a 12-hour day!
But I wanted a good rest as two more exciting days to go with the
camp, and tomorrow would be time to prepare for the great Brian Wilson
and Dickey Betts."