Richie Kotzen

Richie Kotzen is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter from Reading, Pennsylvania, and is now based in Los Angeles. Born in 1970, he starts with piano at the age of five and turns to electric guitar at seven after being inspired by KISS. He develops a reputation as a technically fluent player, with a style he describes as a blend of rock, jazz fusion and soul, and is especially associated with legato playing and wide-interval, sweeping techniques.

Early career

Kotzen is discovered by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records and records his first album by the age of 18. In 1989 he also creates the REH video Rock Chops, which presents some of the playing ideas that become part of his approach. During that period he appears on the cover of several guitar publications, including Guitar World.

Poison and Mr. Big

In 1993 Kotzen joins Poison and co-writes and performs on Native Tongue. The album includes the top twenty singles “Stand” and “Until You Suffer Some,” both written by Kotzen. He later leaves the group after his relationship with Deanna Eve, the former fiancée of Poison drummer Rikki Rockett, becomes known. Kotzen and Eve later marry and divorce.

In 1999 he replaces Paul Gilbert in Mr. Big. He plays on Get Over It, which sells strongly in Japan and reaches platinum status, and also contributes to Actual Size. That album includes “Shine,” a Kotzen composition that reaches number one on Japanese radio charts. He later appears on Deep Cuts, Actual Size and In Japan.

Solo work and collaborations

Kotzen releases a self-titled debut album in 1989, followed by Fever Dream and Electric Joy in the early 1990s. His solo catalogue continues with albums including Mother Head's Family Reunion, Wave of Emotion, Something to Say, What Is, Break It All Down, BiPolar Blues, Slow, Change, Get Up, Peace Sign, 24 Hours, Salting Earth and The Essential. He also releases the live album Live In São Paulo.

His collaborative work includes the instrumental album Tilt and the Kotzen/Howe Project with Greg Howe, plus Vertu, a project with Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. Kotzen also contributes to the Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey soundtrack.

Other bands and projects

Kotzen forms Forty Deuce and releases Nothing to Lose with the band. He also plays in Vertú, The Winery Dogs and Smith/Kotzen, and is listed as a member of Poison, Mr. Big and Forty Deuce. His work with The Winery Dogs includes the self-titled album and Hot Streak, as well as Unleashed In Japan: The Second Show.

Production and releases

In mid-2002 Kotzen establishes a recording studio and production company in Los Angeles. He releases music through Headroom-Inc, Three Dog Music, LLC and Richie Kotzen Music. Alongside his albums, he makes several videos and live releases, including Mother Head's Family Reunion, Wave of Emotion, Don't Wanna Lie, Shine, Hi-Tech Rock Guitar, Live In South America, Chase It, Bootlegged in Brazil and Live.

Playing style and interests

Kotzen is known for using extensive legato in his solos and for combining rock with jazz fusion and soul influences. Outside music, he is interested in exercise, sports and basketball, and has said he would have liked to play professional basketball if he had not become a musician.