He should be a multi platinum Grammy winner. People today have no appreciation for what real music truly is. Truly an under rated artist.

@LeoWang28

2 жыл бұрын

As long as there is people out there with "real music truly is" mindset, things will never be good enough.

@marekchempiak9237

Жыл бұрын

I'll be brobably hated for what I'm about to write but I love the fact that some artists are not as popular as peaople would have expected. Thanx to that they are more accessable to us- real fans.

@matthazelby506

3 ай бұрын

He CLEARLY hasn't sold his soul OR compromised his art.Stop with the 🐎💩 about how everyone should know him.If he had all the awards etc.. record producers would control his output,leaving a vapid pile of shit like Adele or whatever they call soul these days.Richie is a multi millionaire,due to his work ethic has a wonderful family and consistently releases better music than just about anyone right now.He isn't UNDERRATED at all. When you learn a new word,actually learn it's meaning. What happened to people's intellect?

One of the few guitar players today worth listening to.

Richie has definitely paid his dues he deserves everything he should be bigger then what he is he's that good

@profoundsamurai745

4 жыл бұрын

No truer statement has been said

@brianwilliams6839

3 жыл бұрын

I've ONLY just heard of him! Knew hes part of Smith and kotzen, but his solo stuff is mind-blowing!! I think he's better than slash and my fave, synester gates of avenged sevenfold!👆☝️😉🤗

@brianwilliams6839

3 жыл бұрын

@Brady Jefferson what! So? Why do I care?

@shawnstarks1743

Жыл бұрын

Him and a lotta people man. (As I’ve gotten older I’ve come to realize that now) Unfortunately, we live in a world where you gotta get a break. He’s had his and he deserves it. However, there are so many people that have talent and will never get a shot. NEVER! For whatever ever reason. Hell, YOU might be the very person I’m talking about. I saw him with Poison, he was very good, then. He’s been in the game a longtime as you know.

@BC08

Жыл бұрын

@@brianwilliams6839 RK really operating in a totally different stratosphere than either of those guys. Levels better

One of the great guitarists of this generation who can play, compose and sing his awesome songs at the same time without missing a beat.

@t.sewell1513

3 ай бұрын

One of the greatest singers as well.

I saw him at Guitar Center,couldn't help staring. He looked at me, and I said "I'm sorry, you look like Richie Kotzen". He said"I get that a lot"..........a pause, then he say "Ya, it's me" Shook my hand, what a easy going going guy! Saw him at the Tony Mac tribute a few years ago. Gonna see him for the Pat Torpey tribute next Wed. with Mr. Big. Can't wait!! A major asset to the music industry, is Richie Kotzen!!

@bangermccrusher

6 жыл бұрын

Great story! RK is the real deal

@stevetrivago

6 жыл бұрын

Paul Johnson saw him twice in the past year.. unbelievable talent and you’re right .. down to earth humble guy

@winniemandelainvasion1988

5 жыл бұрын

Hahaha, I first thought you were walking down the street and suddenly Pat Travers walked up to you playing his guitar... hahahahaha

@Leddrums

5 жыл бұрын

oh lucky man!

@andrewlaw5628

5 жыл бұрын

Awesome!!

I've seen him 5 times in solo (Hungary, Poland, Germany) + once with The Winery Dogs, I belive with his talent, he is one of the most underrated guitar player of all times.

@venusmc2824

2 жыл бұрын

Agree💯 Definitely 1 f the Most Under rated!

I only "discovered" the winery dogs & richie about 1yr ago - I absolutely LOVE this guy! & his voice is unmatched!

@rallumonslefeu3451

4 жыл бұрын

In a way I envy you : how I would like to re-discover Fever Dream, Bi Polar Blues, Electric Joy, What Is... And Tilt ! And Project !!!

@zac3392

3 жыл бұрын

You’d love Ian Thornley

About a year and a half ago I became a big fan of John petrucci this is how I discovered liquid tension experiment, I was blown away by Mike portnoys drumming so I decided to check out all the stuff he had done so then I discovered winery dogs, it's nearly to the point where these guys owe me some credit because I'll recommend them to anyone who will listen, at the least I think I have created 10,000 of their fans lol being a guitarist myself I'm very impressed with Ritchie's playing, his singing is incredible to, he's my favourite artist, best in the world!!!!!!

@hard_top

Жыл бұрын

It's fascinating how our exploration leads us on different paths. I came to LTE via Tony Levin and saw Portnoy then fell upon Kotzen and the Winery Dogs and like you, tell everyone about them and am currently working to get them on tour in Australia. Ritchie has blown my mind with his natural talent and gallons of it.

Underrated guitarist

@Leo-jt3tc

6 жыл бұрын

Underrated? The guy plays all over the world, he can't possibly be underrated.

@davidrobinson4012

6 жыл бұрын

Saw him when he was a teenager playing at a dive bar here in PA. (late 80's) We knew then we was a phenom.

@Leddrums

5 жыл бұрын

underrated he is not!

The Winery Dogs is truly special band that fills the void for a great hard rock band the world is hungry for , I hope the guys realized that this band is more valuable than anything else they are doing ! WE WANT THE WINERY DOGS !!!

@martianshoes

6 жыл бұрын

I will say it again...at this point in his life, his career and the present state and stage of his talent...WD is the best vehicle he has found to get his music in front of people...

@deanomar1356

6 жыл бұрын

Why is this band "more valuable" than anything else they are doing ? I don't get that point.

@lipeguitars

6 жыл бұрын

The songs ,the chemistry , the music ! , This 3 are bringing the best out of each other which makes them one of the greatest bands (not a project !) we've heard in decades , Take a look how the world reacted to them its obvious why more valuable !!!

@billygoatgruff2554

6 жыл бұрын

I agree totally. The chemistry is the key factor in any band, and the chemistry between those three is the best ever. Add to that the level of skill in their playing and they top any band I've ever seen or heard. The beauty of Richie is that he doesn't even realise how good he is. Superb guitar player, wonderful singer, terrific song-writer. If any trolls decide to comment on what I've written with sarcastic rubbish about me being a 'fan boy' etc......... You can fuck off in advance...

@TruBluGuitar

6 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't call you a "fan boy" and I see your appreciation for the WD and I agree on the chemistry thing. I was stoked to hear it when they first launched however I much prefer all of Richie's solo stuff because he is the sole creator. As in many "Super groups" or "power trios" you get all these egos fighting for the spotlight. And I don't mean that literally because I know they all get along great with and without their instruments but musically, to me anyway, it sounds like 3 kids all showing off at the same time. LEAD vocals, LEAD guitar, LEAD bass, and LEAD drums. It's also probably a matter of my music taste maturing but most WD songs are too busy for my ears and these days I'd rather absorb some of the soul of the performer than be blasted with more notes and fills than my brain can truly process.

great singer and amazing from another planet guitarist that is humble

He is the coolest guy on this planet!!! A really creative, down to earth guy. And he rocks soo hard.👌🎸😉

What can we say...A sensational guitarist, singer and song writer...Richie realy deserve More recognition..

Kotzen is one of the GREATS. He plays and sings with such passion and enthusiasm on every note. When he replaced CC in Poison for a brief stint....(I love Poison)....I knew he had too much talent for Poison. This interview is old but I'm getting ready to see him at the.Blue Note in Cincinnati 2024 in October. He has SO much talent as a.writwr and musician....looking forward. CHEERS to ALL

So much talent its utterly unfair! Awesome guitarplayer and equally good at singing.

One of the best modern day rock artists!

I've met Richie and I've heard his heart break tale about the industry first hand -- it was very emotional for him. I never would have believed it but he goes through what other frustrated musicians go through in wanting to advance in his career. The fact that he started early and had such initial success probably make it harder on him because, for all his work throughout the years, he probably feels he deserves more but is in a holding pattern and will remain there for the rest of his career. He probably wants to be a household name like Bruce Springsteen or Elton John but fate has prevailed against him. So in many way, many struggling musicians can relate to him because that is their story too -- though not on his level which is a couple rungs above them on the ladder of success. Anyway, I wish him success... which can be a bitch dog as well as a winery dog... and to invite him to think that where he is, is great and meant to be in a very lucky way that he didn't intend.

I saw him at Ram's Head in Annapolis, MD. He is amazingly talented. He can sing, play guitar and play piano. What a master musician.

This guy is unbelievable to watch. Huge talent

He really did something special with the song and the video of "The Damned", I've been far from his career for a while, but it's an amazing song. The video could be a hit on MTV days, No Doubt. The texture, the color, the ideia and the editing quality, hit the marks. Very proud to see his great talent making 'modern hits'. Richie, you deserve it man! Marco, Brazil.

Awesome songwriter, Awesome singer, Awesome guitarist....... Awesome performer!

luv your work & your music for many years Richie, keep it going & keep it strong . . . thanks for the inspiration...

That guy is more talented then all the mainstream musicians combined.

A very inspiring musician.

Good to see a new interview with Richie. I hope he gets back to doing daily vlogs on the European tour. Being able to watch the old ones on Instagram after discovering his talent was great, very entertaining to a guitar nerd and fan of him and his band.

Total respect for this bloke!!! Awesome musician with a hardcore work ethic

One of the best!

Soulful as soulful gets. Seen him several times and he just gets better and better. Vocals have improved 1,000 % over the years. Whats really cool is how he took off when he had no label. He made what HE WANTED TO MAKE. No bullshit label pressure. Which is why he took off when he got control of his own career. Lesson to be learned from him just that

@mamadontteach4202

3 жыл бұрын

You said it right there, man. Many reasons to admire this guy, and artistic integrity is up there at the top of the list. Imagine how much better popular music would be if all artists stayed true to themselves.

I absolutely love the album, Hot Streak. Great songwriting, superb playing and top notch vocals. The whole album sounds original, while also sounding familiar. Great band.

Richie is such an inspiration he has always kept playing and pushing forward.its what he does and when your that amazing there's no choice but to keep rocking.

I've heard of Ritchie for years, (I'm 68 yrs old), so I just decided to listen to one of his shows, Holy shit, what a f**** gift he has, dang, kicking ass, unique personal style, absolutely killin' it. Rock on buddy.

Genius- Teacher- Spiritual Advisor 🎸💯

Finally someone who explain things as they are, very interesting!

Talented, wise and humble

"I've been lucky"? its called pure talent. His first vocal album, Fever Dream is unbelievable for a 19 yo, not many rock musician can play with such maturity at that age.

@janjose5647

6 жыл бұрын

Indeed..

@vigilantdr.dolittle

6 жыл бұрын

He was lucky anyway. There are many talented well trained folks out there who never have the chance to get famous or are able to live from music. Also if you live in a country like for example switzerland or maybe ghana, your chances are slim.

@mahoganymarco9199

5 жыл бұрын

very much indeed

@MrPoilleke

5 жыл бұрын

Don't go that far, in most European countries you don't get rich of music, and lots of talented people too...it's a hard life

@rallumonslefeu3451

4 жыл бұрын

You're never gonna believe me but in 20 years there's not been a single month without "Dreeeaaaam of a new day I doooooo.... " in my head :)

Solo💯 Winery Dogs💯Billy 🤯Bass Technique, Portnoy (hell ya…Rules Drums) Smith/Kotzen💯 Richie is amazing in All aspects …multi talented that can shred🔥 , sing 🖤 write, piano, etc Blues Headbangin Funky Rockin Hell I LOVE anything He’s into! Rock On my friend! Keep creating the magic and expand what is already one of the largest parts of my library/playlists. Rollin Daily⚡️

Thanks richie. your music has gotten me through some tuff stuff in my life. It has added to some of the best stuff in my life. Its amazing to me how much of you comes through your music. Some of the best i have ever music i have ever felt.

Cool dude, ridiculously talented.

Love seeing his interviews... Love his music... Love HIM!!!

I remember Arthur's Museum Hi Rich. It's Slater. Good to see you. Yer still fabulous! Soul....

Such a cool interview. Great interviewer. Also love how Richie opens up candidly and shares the reality of "rock n roll". So amazing to see the some of the stars you follow are also grounded and down to earth people. He's so hard working and is shown in everything he does. Go Richie!

Yes Seattle! Speaking of..I think Richie is the only person I’ve heard that could sing with Soundgarden.

@georginamayfield6086

5 жыл бұрын

SMSuperstrat check out ian thornley /big wreck. the only other man that can compete with richie an chris

@zac3392

3 жыл бұрын

@@georginamayfield6086 Beat me to it... Ian is amazing

@jolewis9919

3 жыл бұрын

I think Ritchie sounds the most similar to Chris, Ian sounds like Ian and that is awesome!

The interviewer needs to learn not to open with negative questions. It kills the mood and puts the interviewee on the defensive. - Sucks that you have to tour nonstop to make money nowadays, doesn't it? - Particularly sucks for you as a songwriter because there's no money in selling songs anymore, huh? What the hell is Richie supposed to say? Yeah, man, my life sucks? I mean why even go there? Everybody knows the music business is pretty grim right now. Anyway, kudos to Richie for keeping things upbeat. That's the mark of a pro.

@Squirrelconga

5 жыл бұрын

I thought the same thing!

@tinktinkputra2316

4 жыл бұрын

Exactly the interviewer is sucks!

@MarsonQuintinoFerreira

4 жыл бұрын

Besta comment!

just saw him in NYC Sony hall. he went back in time with a lot of old school tunes, even the ballads which usually he plays acoustic he played electric. never slowed down the pace. just kept goin faster ( pun intended). great show!!!! #RK3

@nswilswilson5666

6 жыл бұрын

MrSteven19671 saw him the night after in new hope pa. Great show.

I really appreciate the video, for your ability to interview and Richie's excellent communication skills. The downsides.. very bad audio (hiss), not the best environment with someone shredding in the back-ground.

Amazing singer and guitarist, solo, and with The Winery Dogs!! Playing live in Toronto, June 2, at Cosmofest!!

Kotzen + Audioslave = Nuclear bomb

@gavin1971

5 жыл бұрын

Kotzen + Soundgarden would be very interesting. hmm

@jowelmoisesubana7572

5 жыл бұрын

Morello will cry with RK also on a guitar

@jowelmoisesubana7572

5 жыл бұрын

@@gavin1971 Thayil will also cry with RK on guitar

@henrique3matos

4 жыл бұрын

@@jowelmoisesubana7572 kkkkk

@jonfaerman7518

4 жыл бұрын

@@jowelmoisesubana7572 but thayil write juicy riffs that kotzen never do so he have to be there..

Love this Dude. Just saw Him in Toronto at The Rockpile April 13th. Great Sold Out show. I think it was his first time in Toronto? Hope he had a great time and will come back to an even bigger crowd.

@MysterioElShikh619

6 жыл бұрын

Brian Kendall I was there too 😀

That’s what makes you so fkn Amazing! You write from experience, thoughts, your Soul! I connected from th jump. Crazy how So Many of your songs (even 🎸NO Words) are as if you as speaking my life, my soul, experiences and feelings🤯 ROCK ON My Friend! You are FIRE & I definitely Always Feel Your “Thunder”. Hell Yes Richie!

One of the Best guitar player i every seen

How I wish they’d have Mr Big with Paul and Richie in it..

Would love to see him live - absolutely fabulous artist!!! Come to Appleton, Wisconsin!

Caught the live show the other night.....awesome!

Such an amazing talent/artist!

Richie played the club where I work in Tampa, Skipper's Smokehouse, about 10 years ago. Nothing but a class act and an amazing talent. Winery Dogs is in the same musical strata as bands like Extreme and Mr. Big. Kick-ass.

God bless you kotzen #RESPECT

And an excellent singer as well , very soulful singer , great , keep up the good work my man.

Brilliant guitarist great singer, loved his live concert 2015

His guitar prowess is godly

Greetings from Germany. Was a great time! Hannover/Cologne/Bochum/Unna.

Another awesome artist 😎

You are amazing man!!!!!!

Way huge talent! Thanks Richie!

I'd never heard of Ritchie till The Winery Dogs. Now I have a ton of his music, he never disappoints. I made a cd for my old Jeep that still rocks the factory stereo because it's my daily and the cd never is ejected from it. I'm about to make a new one as the newer stuff is really good too.

Richie has always seeked to push his owner barrier of playing and stuck to his guns(Telecaster) but has always been making his own ammo(His music) and now his 50 for 50 really is 50 Kal! Awesome resume Sir!! Keep it going! No matter if you go up and down... that is life!

His rock chops video that was released by REH which back in the day had numerous guitar videos but really liked his had an album from him from Mike Varny's shrapnel records ...loved that label

Good interview.

I've been playing seriously for over 30 years and I can say with humility that I'm a very good guitarist. However, there's still a few players that I find unbelievably good. Like Tom Quayle, Greg Howe, and without a doubt, Richie Kotzen. He can play basically any style to perfection. And he's equally outstanding with or without a pick. The fact that he can sing his ass off, is just a big bonus.

Great guy and often underrated and overlooked .

"Wow, that's distracting." Not just for Richie. I don't know which is worse, the loud HISSSS, or the music bleeding into the room.

I've liked his playing ever since I bought his first album on Mike varneys , shrapnel record's. Good label , racer x , vicious rumour's

solid dude..

Just cannot get enough of this beautifully talented and gifted man...keep hoping he gets himself alittle closer to me in Canada but theres faith giving me hope it hope giving me faith lol See you soon Mr Richie K

@melodydawnhill9282

4 жыл бұрын

Just cannot get enough of this beautifully talented and gifted man...keep hoping he gets himself alittle closer to me in Canada but theres faith giving me hope or it's hope giving me faith lol See you soon Mr Richie K

Very underrated talented guy. Love Richi

Richie it’s a full musician he can play anything.

I like this singer, A lot!

such a hero of mine....

A true artist and musician.

Fantastic musician and a very likeable guy.

Damn good interview. My dear Richie, should you be inclined, please come to New Zealand. I think it'd be a highpoint in your career.

Cool logo 'SOFAKINGCOOLONLINE'....(pphheew, wore me out typing that)... : ) people still 'buzzing' about The Show @ The Token Lounge. Westland MI. Thanks RKB for an incredible show that night . You boy'z 'tore it up' ! ")

Ritchie is up there with Satch and Vai. Excellent ✌️☠️🏴🇦🇺

His album with Poison is so so so SO much better than anything else they ever put out,,, I love the " Mother Head´s album with Atma Anur on drums, so so so so so SO much netter than ANYHING Winery Dogs ever did... (I´m in the minority here I guess,,,)

@HunterRouth

4 жыл бұрын

That Poison record rules.

@davidstewart4310

3 жыл бұрын

The Poison album he done was the worst Poison album if you're a hardcore Poison fan.

Very cool, down to earth guy...

Is this guy the coolest Kat you’ve seen? Monster Musician,he’s been there done that. His head is so focused and calculated..I’m truly impressed from this interview. Always loved him since the 80’s. But I’m a bigger fan and supporter now of his music.. 👍

He seems very grounded. Like a guy that would have no problem having a beer and shooting the shit.

#RESPECT

Looking forward to see him live in germany.... when it will be possible.

Ah!! And his fender Telecaster Signature is freaking awesome! As it should! whish I was good enough to get one... not worth the investment for my playing

More interview, more lessons, more rig run down, more videos,....ok ok I'm asking too much :D .

Hey Ritchie I hear you talking alot about your dog which is a great thing. My pitbull mix"Keno"spends all her time with me. All my life Girls have kinda got the best of me and my dog doesn't require the same. So it's stress free and good for me in my 60's. I just happened to hear of you through Eddie Trunk and I love your music. Thanks

I can't help but feel as though he looks like Drave Grohl's much better looking and exceedingly more talented brother.

@zac3392

3 жыл бұрын

Nah, Ian Thornley’s equally talented twin!

Seems like a nice genuine bloke.

I'm supposed to be seeing him right NOW in New Hope, PA. I could cry. Work wouldn't give me the night off. 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

@hushjohnny9543

6 жыл бұрын

HAHAHAHAHA !!! : (..................

@freshgeese1205

6 жыл бұрын

Fuck that job.

I'm waiting for an Oz tour!

Best in the Business.

awesome interview...thanks! Did he say "I've never been a great guitarist"???? in which freaking galaxy?

He's undoubtedly the greatest vocal / virtuoso guitar combo who ever lived. Pure talent from both department.... Richie Sambora, Zakk Wylde and the late Gary Moore... All of them are great singers / guitar players, but This guy is alien level good, imo

@rodrigomartins9692

6 жыл бұрын

Ken T I did put Sambora into alien level too, specially after heard him at piano in "If i can't have your love" great voice! Oh and after heard "Father Time" too.

@Emilee_is_slay

6 жыл бұрын

Ken T I love Richie for all the reasons you listed, but...Prince is the greatest vocalist/guitarist ever 😜

@nethbt

6 жыл бұрын

Andrew Figueroa Prince is a superb guitar player but nowhere near Richie's skills imo... Richie is a former SHRAPNEL artist, to be one, you gotta be "special", Prince's playing is just based off blues + natural minor, plain vanilla.

@Emilee_is_slay

6 жыл бұрын

Ken T Prince is less shred than RK, but his music is definitely not pentatonic/maj/min vanilla. He had a huge understanding of theory and his guitar playing can go from simple to very complex. I digress though, this is an RK post and I shouldn't even have brought someone else up. RK is easily one of my favorite artist.

Great interview. Could have used better audio

I bought both Winery Dogs CD's. Despite the giant talent Richie is...WD has to be his best vehicle....