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| MSJ:
How did the new KKB release come about? |
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When Mike Katz (the principle singer songwriter) of KKB, found the original tapes we recorded in 1974, I realized that we could mix and remaster the tracks, and in addition to doing a new song after not working together for 40 years, would make a compelling vibe for the “Got to Get Back” KKB CD. I am super pleased with the results. |
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| MSJ: What does the music have in common with other things you done and how does it differ? |
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Being my first original project in my early career, I hear many of my signature guitar riffs, and style of playing lead not that unlike my current ability. That was wild for me to enjoy. It differs as my gear was more limited back then, but overall there is a common thread with past and current BK. |
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| MSJ: Could you share some of your favorite moments from your time with KISS? |
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There are so many highlights, from touring the world, and for a NY boy to play Madison Square Garden. MTV Unplugged was shot amazingly and the performance was awesome. There’s much to be proud of. |
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| MSJ: What about some of your favorite Grand Funk moments? |
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We just did a show at the Tropicana in Atlantic City. The lights, the sound the crowd all perfect! Most shows with the band go very well, but when it all comes together, I am a happy person. |
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| MSJ: If you weren't involved in music what do you think you'd be doing? |
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I used to feel that I would be an architect - building something with order and purpose. |
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| MSJ: Who would you see as your musical influences? |
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I love the Beatles, and the British Invasion of The Who, Led Zep, Cream and Jimi Hendrix. Those were my biggest influences. |
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| MSJ: What's ahead for you? |
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Touring, recording and more of what I love doing: playing my guitar. |
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| MSJ: Are there musicians with whom you would like to play with in the future? |
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I dream of working with Paul McCartney! He is super talented and I feel a very humble and smart man. |
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| MSJ: Do you think that illegal downloading and streaming of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians? |
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It has been a terrible effect of the amazing things the internet and our technology has created. There are good things regarding our technology, but for people to think that music which costs musicians money to create, not forgetting, their talent to create it, needs to be compensated for as well, should be stolen and not paid for, is awful and down right thievery. YouTube is not a way to enjoy music. It is there to get a taste of a band or artist or enjoy something from the past that people share. I can go on and on, but I support buying what I want to have in my library. I never just steal it. |
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| MSJ: In a related question, how do you feel about fans recording shows and trading or sharing them? |
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As long as they support that band’s music they sell, and go pay to see them, it is all good to me. |
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| MSJ: If you were a superhero, what music person would be your arch nemesis and why? |
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I would love to fly, see through walls, and have super powers. Hmmmm that’s Superman! The person that would be my arch nemesis is the superhero who had those powers too, but used them for evil. Let’s hope good wins. ME! |
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| MSJ: If you were to put together your ultimate band (a band you'd like to hear or catch live), who would be in it and why? |
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I want Ringo and McCartney. Is that so bad? Paul Rodgers too! Nice band, huh? |
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| MSJ: If you were in charge of assembling a music festival and wanted it to be the ultimate one from your point of view who would be playing? |
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I think there’s many of them out there already. The Legends Cruise we are doing in January 2016 has an amazing line up. Europe always has killer festivals too. |
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| MSJ: What was the last CD you bought and/or what have you been listening to lately? |
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The Muse release Drones is amazing! Great band. |
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| MSJ: Have you read any good books lately? |
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I read many magazines when I travel, but I did get a book called “Tomorrowland.” |
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| MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment? |
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Paul McCartney Dodger Stadium. |
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| MSJ: Do you have a musical “guilty pleasure?” |
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I love ambient music - relaxing music. |
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| MSJ: What has been your biggest Spinal Tap moment? |
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Running into Gene Simmons on stage. I exited the wrong way! |
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| MSJ: If you could sit down to dinner with any three people, living or dead, for food and conversation, with whom would you be dining? |
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The original “Star Trek” cast. |
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| MSJ: What would be on the menu? |
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Italian, cause that’s my fave. |
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| MSJ: Are there any closing thoughts you would like to get out there? |
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| Visit Kulick.net for all things about me! Thank you.
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| MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015 Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound. |
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