Former KISS lead guitarist Bruce Kulick has announced that he recently underwent heart valve surgery and that the procedure was a complete success. The 72-year-old musician is currently in recovery.
Kulick explained that the operation was planned well in advance and was not an emergency procedure, despite early media reports to the contrary. The surgery addressed an aortic birth defect that had deteriorated to a dangerous condition requiring medical intervention.
"I want to thank my heart surgeon and their fantastic staff," Kulick wrote in a statement, expressing gratitude for being "on the road to recovery." His wife Lisa and numerous friends from the metal community rallied around the guitarist during his hospitalization.
Former KISS bandmate Gene Simmons was among those offering encouragement: "Go Bruce, Go… you can lick anything. You know we're all rooting for you."
Kulick served as KISS's lead guitarist from 1984 to 1996, appearing on six studio albums: Asylum (1985), Crazy Nights (1987), Hot in the Shade (1989), Revenge (1992), Carnival of Souls (1997), and the live record Unplugged (1996). He subsequently joined Grand Funk Railroad and has maintained an active solo career.
He launched his own guitar brand in 2024 and is scheduled to perform at the 2026 KISS Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas once his recovery is complete. The entire metal community wishes Bruce a swift and full return to health.