Richie Kotzen

Posted by Fretpoint • August 18, 2008 • Printer-friendly

Richie Kotzen

Richie Kotzen has been heralded as "one of the best guitar players on the planet and whilst his guitar skills are superb he part of a rare breed of guitarists that actually has a voice to match. His creative song writing skills are honed to perfection and it was no surprice when he was chosen as the opening act for the Legendary Rolling Stones during their "Bigger Bang" tour of Japan.

After recording three albums for Shrapnel Records, Kotzen moved to Los Angeles and just out of his teens he joined the multi platinum glam metal band POISON. The Native Tongue was a big success and his song Stand, reached #4 on MTV’s Most Wanted and was in the Top 20 in BILLBOARD MAGAZINE.

Kotzen went on to join the hugely popular rock band MR. BIG, who are known for their #1 hit song To Be With You. In 1999, they played the Osaka Dome in Japan with AEROSMITH for the coveted Millennium Count Down. Kotzen wrote 2 studio records with MR. BIG and had his first #1 single in Japan with a song called Shine.

Richie continues to make killer solo records and tours around the world with superstar status in several countries, playing stadiums, festivals, and clubs. He has played with other well known musicians like Gene Simmons from KISS, and Keanu Reeves band DOGSTAR where he has made cameo performances on stage, including Television performances with the band on Jay Leno and Regis and Kelly. Richie is always included in books, magazines, and websites as one of the top guitarist’s in the world!

Kotzen is one of the few artists to be honored by Fender Guitar with not one, but two signature model guitars of which the Kotzen Telecaster guitar has repeatedly been the #1 selling signature model guitar for Fender Japan.

Website: www.richiekotzen.com