Richie Kotzen

Richie Kotzen released his first solo album in 1989 at the age of 19, demonstrating advanced guitar techniques in his instructional video ‘Rock Chops’ that same year. His second solo album, ‘Fever Dream’ (1990), marked his debut as a lead vocalist, foreshadowing a prolific solo career that would yield over twenty albums across diverse genres from rock to jazz fusion. In 1991, Kotzen joined the glam metal band Poison, contributing to their album ‘Native Tongue,’ where he co-wrote two top-twenty singles: ‘Stand’ and ‘Until You Suffer Some (Fire & Ice).’ Following his departure from Poison in 1993, Kotzen focused on solo work, releasing R&B, soul, blues, and funk-influenced albums. He collaborated with jazz rock fusion guitarist Greg Howe on two albums in 1995 and 1997.

In 2012, he co-founded the rock supergroup The Winery Dogs with Mike Portnoy and Billy Sheehan, releasing their debut album in 2013 and embarking on a world tour. His 20th solo album, ‘Cannibals,’ released in 2015, explored an R&B-influenced rock/pop sound. In 2020, Kotzen released the ambitious 50-track triple-album ’50 for 50.’ The same year, he formed the Smith/Kotzen project with Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith. Their eponymous debut album followed in 2021, along with the four-track EP ‘Better Days.’ The successful duo subsequently performed tours across the US and UK in 2022.