Richie Kotzen

Born: February 3, 1970 Reading, PA, USA

After being inspired by a KISS poster, a 7-year old Kotzen picked up a guitar and learned to play. By this time, he was already taking piano lessons. He began gigging at a very young age, and opened up for people like Gregg Allman and the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Richie was considered a prodigy. He graced the cover of Guitar World at the young age of 17. Ritchie joined Bret Michael's highly successful band, Poison, in the early 90's and produced an album and tour. Girl problems ensued, and Kotzen was asked to leave the band. After doing some solo stuff throughout the 90's, Kotzen joined a jazz fusion band. This band, Vertu, was put together by bass badass Stanley Clarke. After a largely successful album and tour, Clarke had to put the project aside to fulfill other musical obligations. Kotzen, in the meantime, has taken Paul Gilbert's place as the front guitarist for Mr. Big.

Instruments Played / Skills: Guitar Vocals Composer Songwriter Arranger Piano Bass Guitar Genres: Jazz Fusion Eighties Metal Hard Rock Guitar Masters

Bands That Richie Kotzen Has Played For: Poison Mr. Big

Richie Kotzen Has Worked With: Bret Michaels Bobby Dall Rikki Rockett Billy Sheehan Stu Hamm Steve Smith Greg Howe Greg Bissonette Atma Anur Eric Martin Pat Torpey

Richie Kotzen Was Influenced By: Jimi Hendrix Jimmy Page Gene Simmons Paul Stanley