My case : Union was one of the most exciting rock acts of the late 90s

[Roland Rockover]

My case : Union was one of the most exciting rock acts of the late 90s

Ah, let me tell you something, as an Italian KISS fan, there’s a lot I’ve got to say about Union. This band, my friends, was one of the most electrifying, heart-thumping, and downright fantastic rock groups to emerge in the late 90s and early 2000s. Now, you might be wondering why an Italian KISS fan like myself is so passionate about Union. Well, it's all about the connection, the lineage, and the sheer rock 'n' roll spirit that flows from KISS to Union, primarily through one man: Bruce Kulick.

Bruce Kulick, what a guy! He was the guitarist for KISS during some of their most transformative years, from 1984 to 1996. He played a crucial role in keeping the KISS flame alive and burning bright during the non-makeup era. Now, as a KISS fan, I can tell you we’re fiercely loyal to the band and its members. Bruce, with his melodic yet powerful guitar solos, became a fan favorite. His loyalty and dedication to KISS were unwavering, even when the band decided to reunite with the original lineup in the mid-90s.

So, when Bruce Kulick formed Union with John Corabi, James Hunting, and Brent Fitz, it was like a breath of fresh rock air. Union wasn’t just any band; it was a supergroup with a pedigree that promised something extraordinary. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1998, was a testament to this promise. Tracks like "Old Man Wise" and "Around Again" showcased a raw, authentic rock sound that was both a throwback to the glory days and a step forward into the new millennium. As an Italian KISS fan, listening to Union was like hearing the next chapter in a beloved saga.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. KISS, during their reunion tours and beyond, had the perfect opportunity to bring Union along for the ride. Imagine this: Union opening for KISS on those massive tours. It would have been a celebration of rock history and a nod to Bruce Kulick’s immense contribution to KISS’s legacy. Union had the energy, the talent, and the songs that could have electrified the audience, setting the stage for KISS to bring the house down. And could also throw in some KISS Kuts like Crazy Nights and Jungle that the reunited band had turned their backs upon. Best of both worlds.

But more than just an opening act, Union could have been a bridge between the old and the new, between the makeup and non-makeup eras. For fans like me, who cherish every era of KISS, it would have been a dream come true. We would have gotten to see Bruce Kulick, a loyal KISS member, being celebrated and promoted as he deserved. His years of dedication, his unforgettable solos, his presence – all being acknowledged on a grand stage.

Think about it, Union on a KISS tour. The synergy would have been palpable. Fans would have flocked to see them, not just because of their connection to KISS, but because Union was genuinely an exciting, formidable band in their own right. They had that spark, that undeniable chemistry that made every performance an event. The late 90s and early 2000s were ripe for a rock revival, and Union was poised to lead the charge.

As an Italian KISS fan, I feel a deep sense of pride and nostalgia thinking about what could have been. Union’s music still resonates, a reminder of a time when rock was bold, unapologetic, and full of life. And while they may not have had the massive exposure that touring with KISS could have provided, their legacy lives on. Bruce Kulick, John Corabi, and the rest of the band gave us something special, something that will always hold a place in the heart of this Italian KISS fan.

So here's to Union, one of the most exciting rock bands of the late 90s and early 2000s. And here's to Bruce Kulick, a loyal KISS member whose journey continues to inspire. Rock on!





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My case : Union was one of the most exciting rock acts of the late 90s
https://forums.metalsludge.tv/forums/vi ... 1&t=386300

[alexleehooker]

Is this parody ?

It’s good that you like the band so much

Pedigree is there

I just can’t think of the songs as being too memorable

[NeonKnite]

I once saw them play in the back room of a dive bar.

There couldn't have been more than 25 people there.

Yeah, that was exciting.

[DemonFilth2001]

I once saw them play in the back room of a dive bar.

There couldn't have been more than 25 people there.

Yeah, that was exciting.

Did they play any 94 Crue or KISS? Or just shitty forgettable Union crap?

[Black Stuff]

I once saw them play in the back room of a dive bar.

There couldn't have been more than 25 people there.

Yeah, that was exciting.

must have been cheap beer night

[NeonKnite]

I once saw them play in the back room of a dive bar.

There couldn't have been more than 25 people there.

Yeah, that was exciting.

must have been cheap beer night

I'm pretty sure that 25 number included staff.

[NeonKnite]

Did they play any 94 Crue or KISS? Or just shitty forgettable Union crap?

I believe they played KISS' "Jungle" and MCs "Hooligan's Holiday".

Bruce might have also done KISS' "I Walk Alone".

[Wild Obsession]

I saw them at the Webster Theater in Hartford CT, also probably about 25 people including staff........

Kulick was doing his KISS choreographed arena stage poses/moves, but is this case he was pointing to (nonexistent) people in the (nonexistent upper levels), etc., etc.....

Sad, boring show, for both the band and "selective" audience......

On a positive note, IMO, 2nd Union CD "Blue Room" is "ok"(ish).......

[BernieTaupson]

Kulick was doing his KISS choreographed arena stage poses/moves, but is this case he was pointing to (nonexistent) people in the (nonexistent upper levels), etc., etc.....

To be fair he was doing that on the Crazy Nights and Revenge tours as well.

[Wild Obsession]

Kulick was doing his KISS choreographed arena stage poses/moves, but is this case he was pointing to (nonexistent) people in the (nonexistent upper levels), etc., etc.....

To be fair he was doing that on the Crazy Nights and Revenge tours as well.

[Hair I Go Again]

I liked Union and saw them a bunch -- was even there the night they recorded their live album (opening for Cinderella) -- but I'd never use the word "exciting" to describe them.

They didn't do "Hooligan's" live, but they did do "Power To The Music."

[Bono Nettencourt]

The OP was probably more than anyone's ever written about this ephemeral band.

[Nate S Axel]

What does any of that diarrhea post have to do with Donald Trump or Joe Biden?!?

Stay on topic in this forum.

[LAglamrocker]

I’m pretty sure Kip Moore is so awesome today because of Union
I would bet 1000$ Vegas dollars Kip saw Cinderella/Union tour also. I did 2 nights at Galaxy Theatre
Also was at Union meet and greet at food court in Ontario Mills mall

Union era was great! During all great underground glam bands rebirth- Revlon Red -Fifi Larue- Reactor-Peppermint Creeps- Van Stone

* from my memory they always did Kiss cover and The Scream I believe. It’s been awhile I don’t think Austin Theory was even born yet. His mom probably got pregnant at Union show

[pieceofme]

Two of the most boring men in rock teamed up to form a very boring band. That sums up union.

[ElectrickMagick]

I think it was slightly better than Shadow King, but nearly as forgettable.

[MetalSludgeCEO]

Nice guys... very nice guys... but... no they were not.

UNION was meh...

$tEvil

[VinnieVincentsVag]

I tried…I just didn’t like them.

[Tenacious_Dio]

The OP was probably more than anyone's ever written about this ephemeral band.

And all anybody read was the thread title.

[Canadian dirtbag]

The two Union albums were great! The Blue Room is actually even better than the first album, it's full of great riffs and some really catchy melodies and ear candy.
I never saw them live, but the studio albums were certainly far better than what Kiss and Motley Crue were releasing at the time.

And what the hell was any other band of that genre doing in the late 90's? Everyone was either disbanded or putting out attempts at grunge albums.

[BernieTaupson]

They had a few good songs … Old Man Wise, uh, I’m sure there were a couple.

[BernieTaupson]

Love (I Don’t Need It Anymore)

[Earl Skakel]

Shit I was at there first live show at the strip club Pleasures in Pasadena so top that! Probably the funniest thing to me was Jamie Hunting the bass player and Bruce didn't exactly get along so they had a very interesting dynamic to say the least. I loved their first album but the marketing of "hey come see ex members of KISS and Motley Crue" in hindsight wasn't the best although I get why they did it. Probably my fav show seeing them was at The Cowboy Boogie in the 714 where Jamie's Swedish girlfriend was driving everyone nuts, if my memory is correct they were opening up for Warrant on a Sunday night.

[Jason Jennifer Leigh]

Great band, good album … Gene and Paul screwed them.

[BernieTaupson]

How did they screw them?

[skinni]

They were a great band, but not the most groundbreaking of the 90s.

[Bono Nettencourt]

How did they screw them?

[MetalSludgeCEO]

I told this story before... but I went to the UNION show at the Country Club shortly after they formed, or their debut was released.

Gene and Paul were there, and the KISSTARDS were losing their minds...

I was wandering around, people watching and at some point grabbed a table near the far back wall by myself.

At some point some totally disheveled guy and his girl asked if they could sit in the empty seats, and I said sure.

The guy kept standing up, sitting down, checking his pockets, fidgeting, etc.. total mess.

After a few minutes, people started coming up to him, and asking for a pic...

It was at this point I realized, it was Ace Frehley sitting at my table.

Had no idea who he was, he looked borderline wino meets Stanley from LSD.

$tEvil

[BernieTaupson]

The girlfriend was probably Wendy Moore, she was with him when Union were around.

[EuroJR]

Understand that Union was not a big success, but it's a quite surprise they couldn't draw more people. Where were all the kisstards and cruestards?