Guitar Sensation: RICHIE KOTZEN!

Fri, 22/02/2008 - by Rory Sullivan

Today's Elevenses Throws Eleven Quick Questions At 'Guitar Sensation' Richie Kotzen!

Richie Kotzen is a world renowned guitar maestro. He has performed with the greats, made countless solo albums and had stints with Poison and Mr. Big. Richie has appeared on over 50 albums, is huge in Japan and opened for The Rolling Stones in 2006. He has his own production company and loves sport.

So what’s your drink of choice at 11am in the morning?

Coffee.

Which song/album really made you want to play guitar?

Hearing purple haze made me want to play the guitar. It was the first song I ever tried to learn.

Who’s the world’s greatest guitarist?

Since guitar playing is an artistic medium I don't believe in the notion of someone being the best. There are so many different masters of styles that the concept of the best simply does not exist in the realm of music. Its about taste.

For Rock my personal fave has always been Eddie Van Halen.

Who’s the world’s most underrated guitarist?

Again I don't know how to answer this. I suppose there are many many musicians who are brilliant that are unkown to the public. I suppose those are the underrated ones.

So what are you up to at the moment?

I've been touring a lot these days. I'm going back out on the road in Europe this March.

What was the last gig you went to (as a member of the audience)?

Who would be in your dream line-up?

I went to see the Killers at the Staples Center here in Los Angeles.

Anyone who can bring life to the music. Not necessarily famous musicians but musicians who understand how to listen and when to play and when not to play.

How many guitars do your own and which one is ‘your precious’?

I play my white strat most of the time. That is my main guitar although I do play a telecaster as well. I'm not sure the number of guitars in my home but I would guess around 50.

What’s the last great album that you bought (or were given)?

I love the Eagles Greatest Hits…

Do you suffer from stage fright?

Never… only if someone in the organization seems to not know how to do their job.