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Tag: Richie Kotzen
0 THE WINERY DOGS Set To Release Special Edition And Deluxe Edition Of Debut Album
THE WINERY DOGS
RELEASE A SPECIAL EDITION AND A DELUXE EDITION
OF DEBUT ALBUM INCLUDING
LIVE SONGS, ORIGINAL DEMOS, VIDEOS, INTERVIEWS AND EXCLUSIVE MERCHANDISE
THE WINERY DOGS–Mike Portnoy (drums), Billy Sheehan (bass) and Richie Kotzen (lead vocals, guitars)— is getting 2014 started with a new round of tour dates and the release of two new special versions of their self-titled and self-produced debut album that debuted in the Top 10 on various Billboard charts.
Set for release in April, THE WINERY DOGS SPECIAL EDITION will be comprised of two-CDs. Disc 1 is the standard album and Disc 2 is entitled UNLEASHED IN JAPAN 2013, comprised of 10 songs recorded live in Japan during their July ’13 tour including “Criminal,” a track previously unavailable in the U.S., along with a 16-page booklet of live photos and lyrics. A deluxe package for die-hard fans will be released simultaneously. DOG TREATS: THE WINERY DOGS DELUXE SPECIAL EDITION will be sold in a box resembling a box of dog treats, and will include the SPECIAL EDITION collection of music, a DVD featuring four music videos and interview footage, demos from the original recording sessions, a “studio diary” written by Mike Portnoy, as well as some unique merchandise unavailable elsewhere.
After THE WINERY DOGS was originally released on July 23, 2013 on Loud & Proud Records, it debuted on Billboard’s “Top Alternative Albums” chart at #3, “Top Independent Albums” chart at #4, “Top Rock Albums” chart at #5, “Top Internet Albums” at #8 and “Top 200 Albums” chart at #27.
It also landed on numerous “Top 10 Albums of 2013” lists, including the prestigious “2013 Pazz & Jop” critic’s poll in New York City’s Village Voice, EddieTrunk.com (#1), MetalExiles.com (#1), Examiner.com (#1), ZoiksOnline.com (#1), Hardrockhaven.net (#3), AmpsAndGreenScreens.com (#3), GuitarWorld.com (#6), BraveWords.com (#6), VintageRock.com (#8), ClassicRockRevisited.com (#17). The album’s first single, “Elevate,” was the #1 Most Played song of 2013 on WDHA-FM in New Jersey and it reached the Top 20 on Mediabase’s “Mainstream Rock Tracks” chart.
The four videos that have been released (“Time Machine,” the latest single currently being serviced to radio, “Elevate,” “I’m No Angel” and “Desire”) have garnered over 1.5 million views on their official YouTube page.
Check out THE WINERY DOGS at any of the following U.S. tour stops (with more dates to be added in the coming weeks):
DATE CITY VENUE
3/25 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
3/26 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
3/27 Chicago, IL Arcata Theatre
About Loud & Proud Records:
Loud & Proud Records is an independent record label founded in 2007 by Tom Lipsky whose mission is to provide a true and transparent partnership between artists and their record label. Labels under Lipsky’s direction in the past (CMC International, Sanctuary Records Group) have been among the market leaders in the veteran artist space, delivering Gold and Platinum albums and DVDs for Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, The Allman Brothers Band, Widespread Panic, Iron Maiden, Styx, Megadeth, Bad Company, REO Speedwagon and more. In a previous joint-venture with Roadrunner Records, Loud & Proud was responsible for new albums by Rush, Lenny Kravitz, Rob Zombie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Steve Miller Band and Ratt. Loud & Proud’s newest artist is five-time Emmy Award winning actor (currently on ABC’s Nashville) and musician Jonathan Jackson and his band Enation. 2013 releases include critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Willie Nile, supergroup rock band The Winery Dogs and Seattle’s artistic envelope-pushers Walking Papers. The label is currently in an exclusive distribution, marketing and label services agreement for U.S. and Canada with RED Distribution, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. International distribution is via Sony Music Entertainment Germany, Sony Music Entertainment France, Sony Music Entertainment Australia, RSK Entertainment Ltd. (UK) and RSK Affiliates in select European countries. Loud & Proud Records is a registered trademark of Lipsky Music, LLC.
1 The Winery Dogs at The Mad Frog – Cincinnati, Ohio – 11/5/2013
By the time you read this, The Winery Dogs first tour has now been complete. The Sixxis and The Winery Dogs visited Cincinnati, Ohio’s Mad Frog on the second to last night of their tour last Tuesday night. The Winery Dogs have been drawing big crowds all over the United States, so I was pretty concerned about how many people would try to squeeze into the tiny Mad Frog to see the band play. Maybe it was due to the Black Crowes were playing down the street, or just for the fact that it was a Tuesday night, but the crowd at the Mad Frog was not unmanageable. Quite frankly, seeing a show of this caliber in this small venue, made this a magical night of live music.
I never heard of the opening band The Sixxis before, and I scanned their website to see what they were about. They bio states that their “music presents a core sound of influences ranging from Classical, Jazz, and Rock music coated in a powerful, heavy, seductive, and emotional shell of sound reminiscent of Rush, Muse, Soundgarden, System of a Down, Kings X, and Alice in Chains”. I could definitely hear a mix of these influences in their performance, and I thought these guys kicked ass. They could barely fit their 5 band members on the small stage, and they rocked it nonetheless. Major kudos to Mike Portnoy for helping to bring these guys out on tour. If you are unfamiliar with the Sixxis, visit the band’s website, and check out the clip below. I think you are going to hear a lot more about these guys in the future.
I knew before The Winery Dogs even took the stage that they would be awesome, I just don’t think I realized just HOW awesome they would be. Seeing Billy Sheehan, Richie Kotzen and Mike Portnoy play on a small stage like this was just pure hard rock magic. Sheehan was on fire all night with his acrobatic bass playing. Mike Portnoy was a joy to watch. He is very animated while playing the drums, and in this small club, he controlled the light show as well (that part was pretty comical). Richie Kotzen’s had me bewildered all night. I knew he was a tremendous guitarist, but getting to see him play, and sing for the first time had me stunned. This guy is one of the best unsung talents in hard rock music.
The Winery Dogs’ set list was mostly made up of music from the band’s debut CD, some Richie’s solo music, and the Billy Sheehan penned Talas classic, “Shyboy”. I loved their extended version of “Desire”, and was very impressed by Kotzen’s two songs they performed, “Doin’ What The Devil Says to Do” and “You Can’t Save Me”. This has inspired me to seek out Richie’s solo music. It is fantastic.
Overall, I was very glad that I got to see The Winery Dogs on a small stage. To see expert musicianship from a few feet from the stage was a pretty special experience. I have a feeling we will be hearing a lot more music from The Winery Dogs. This is probably the last time they will play on the smaller stages together. I was glad I was there to see them live.
( I snapped a few pics with my point and shoot camera. You can check them out below.)
2 The Winery Dogs – S/T (2013) CD Review
Respect. When I think of the musicians that make up the band The Winery Dogs, I have nothing but respect. Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy, and Richie Kotzen are amongst some of the best hard rock musicians to ever grace the stage. When I first heard about the Winery Dogs, I couldn’t wait to hear what the band had to offer. Sometimes when a so called supergroup comes out, the music isn’t quite what you expect it to be. That simply isn’t the case with the Winery Dogs. Every member of the the band shines on this release, and Richie Kotzen is the real X-factor, as his singing is far better than expected. Kotzen pushes his voice to the limit. His vocals are fantastic, and some of the best he has ever done.
The music on this CD oscillates between the decades, and gives the listener a nice voyage from the 70′s & 80′s classic rock, to some bluesier numbers, and some more modern offerings. If you have ever listened to some of Richie Kotzen’s solo releases, The Winery Dogs will seem pretty familiar to you. The music isn’t a far stretch from Kotzen’s solo material, and that is a great thing.
The major difference with The Winery Dogs, is you get the best rhythm section in hard rock, and you get the wicked solos from Mr. Sheehan, Mike Portnoy and Richie Kotzen.
The Winery Dogs give you great songs, and sophisticated jams that should satisfy even the pickiest hard rock fan. This is one of those albums that you can listen to from beginning to end, without the need to skip any songs. It really is that good.
This CD has been one of my favorites of 2013. If you haven’t picked it up, you should definitely give it a listen. I highly recommend it!!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Elevate
2. Desire
3. We Are One
4. I’m No Angel
5. The Other Side
6. You Saved Me
7. Not Hopeless
8. One More Time
9. Damaged
10. Six Feet Deeper
11. Criminal
12. The Dying
13. Regret
The Winery Dogs are:
Richie Kotzen – Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar
Billy Sheehan – Bass / Vocals
Mike Portnoy – Drums / Vocals
0 THE WINERY DOGS (Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan & Richie Kotzen) Launches Headlining Tour October 3; “Time Machine” Video World Premieres Today On Billboard.com
THE WINERY DOGS
(MIKE PORTNOY, BILLY SHEEHAN AND RICHIE KOTZEN)
LAUNCHES U.S. HEADLINING TOUR OCTOBER 3
“TIME MACHINE” MUSIC VIDEO WORLD PREMIERES TODAY ON BILLBOARD.COM
THE WINERY DOGS–Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold), Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth, Mr. Big) and Richie Kotzen (Poison, Mr. Big)—will launch their latest U.S. headlining tour tomorrow in Agoura Hills, CA at the Canyon Club in support of their critically-acclaimed self-titled debut album, which was released in North America July 23 on Loud & Proud Records.
To further stir up excitement about the tour, the band world-premiered their latest video for the track “Time Machine” today on Billboard.com, which can be seen at http://bit.ly/15LGZSB. The clip was directed by Greg Kaplan and includes live rehearsal footage shot in Southern California, as well as concert footage shot during their recent sold-out tour of Japan. THE WINERY DOGS’ first-ever concert was in Osaka, Japan on July 15.
Fans can pick up the album on the band’s official website, iTunes, and Amazon. The band has already released three videos from the new album, “Elevate, “Desire,” and “I’m No Angel,” which can all be seen on their official YouTube page. “Elevate,” the album’s first single, debuted at #30 on Mediabase’s “Mainstream Rock” airplay chart and is currently bulleted at #17. It’s been the #1 most-played current song on WDHA-FM (The Rock of New Jersey, 105.5) for a number of weeks.
Of one of the band’s first-ever tour dates in August, Philadelphia’s Tell Magazine declared: “this band really is the Cream of 2013—three of the best musicians around grouped together and playing powerful music that takes full advantage of their virtuosity… their live show certainly exceeded my expectations. These guys are on fire. I don’t think anyone who attended that show wasn’t floored by the performance. I think the band members themselves were amazed by the power they’re putting out, and how much fun they’re having… It’s clear that this is a band with a great future ahead of them, and I implore you not to miss this combustible combination when they come to your town.”
During the upcoming tour, THE WINERY DOGS will make a special stop at the Hard Rock Café in New York City on October 23 to participate in a private star-studded celebration of Eddie Trunk’s 30th anniversary of his radio show. Trunk is best known as host of VH1 Classic’s “That Metal Show” and he played a key role in the formation of THE WINERY DOGS. The seeds of the band were planted in 2011 when Sheehan and Portnoy were working on music together with a different guitarist and songwriter. When that line-up didn’t gel, Eddie Trunk suggested they contact Kotzen and see if he was interested in forming a band. The rest is history. Tickets for the party are free and fans can enter to win them by clicking on the banner of www.EddieTrunk.com Fans who enter will be picked at random and notified by e-mail if they are selected to attend.
Check out THE WINERY DOGS at any of the following tour stops:
DATE CITY VENUE
Thu 10/3 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Club
Fri 10/4 Las Vegas, NV Count’s Vamp’d
Sat 10/5 San Diego, CA Ramona Mainstage
Sun 10/6 San Juan Capistrano, CA Coach House
Tue 10/8 Sacramento, CA Harlow’s
Wed 10/9 San Francisco, CA Yoshi’s
Thu 10/10 Portland, OR Star Theatre
Fri 10/11 Seattle, WA Crocodile Café
Mon 10/14 Denver, CO Soiled Dove
Thu 10/17 Milwaukee, WI Potawatomi Casino
Fri 10/18 Palatine, IL Durty Nellies
Sat 10/19 Effingham, IL Effingham Performance Center
Mon 10/21 Pittsburgh, PA Altar Bar
Tue 10/22 Poughkeepsie, NY The Chance
Wed 10/23 New York, NY Eddie Trunk 30th Anniversary Party
Fri 10/25 Clifton Park, NY Upstate Concert Hall
Sat 10/26 Niagara Falls, NY Hard Rock
Sun 10/27 Allentown, PA Maingate Nightclub
Tue 10/29 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
Wed 10/30 Patchogue, NY Emporium
Thu 10/31 Pawtucket, RI The Met
Sat 11/2 Cleveland, OH Agora Ballroom
Thu 11/5 Cincinnati, OH Mad Frog
Wed 11/6 Ft. Wayne, IN Piere’s
About Loud & Proud Records:
Loud & Proud Records is an independent record label founded in 2007 by Tom Lipsky whose mission is to provide a true and transparent partnership between artists and their record label. Labels under Lipsky’s direction in the past (CMC International, Sanctuary Records Group) have been among the market leaders in the veteran artist space, delivering Gold and Platinum albums and DVDs for Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, The Allman Brothers Band, Widespread Panic, Iron Maiden, Styx, Megadeth, Bad Company, REO Speedwagon and more. In a previous joint-venture with Roadrunner Records, Loud & Proud was responsible for new albums by Rush, Lenny Kravitz, Rob Zombie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Steve Miller Band, Meat Loaf and Ratt. Loud & Proud’s current roster includes critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Willie Nile, supergroup rock band The Winery Dogs and Seattle’s artistic envelope-pushers Walking Papers. The label is currently in an exclusive distribution, marketing and label services agreement for U.S. and Canada with RED Distribution, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. International distribution is via Sony Music Entertainment Germany, Sony Music Entertainment France, Sony Music Entertainment Australia, RSK Entertainment Ltd. (UK) and RSK Affiliates in select European countries. Loud & Proud Records is a registered trademark of Lipsky Music, LLC.
0 Two For Tuesday Videos – The Winery Dogs – Elevate & I’m No Angel
What do you get when combine the talents of Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy & Richie Kotzen? One badass band called The Winery Dogs.
Check out their clips “Elevate” and “I’m No Angel below.
1 THE WINERY DOGS, FEATURING ROCK VETERANS MIKE PORTNOY, BILLY SHEEHAN AND RICHIE KOTZEN, RELEASES SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM TODAY IN NORTH AMERICA ON LOUD & PROUD RECORDS
THE WINERY DOGS,
FEATURING ROCK VETERANS
MIKE PORTNOY, BILLY SHEEHAN AND RICHIE KOTZEN,
RELEASES SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM
TODAY IN NORTH AMERICA ON LOUD & PROUD RECORDS
APPEARING ON DIRECTTV’S “THE ARTIE LANGE SHOW” ON AUGUST 5 &
NATIONALLY-SYNDICATED RADIO SHOW “ROCKLINE” ON AUGUST 14
IN-STORE APPEARANCE AT VINTAGE VINYL, NJ ON AUGUST 6
The highly-anticipated and already critically-acclaimed self-titled debut album by THE WINERY DOGS (@TheWineryDogs) was released in North America today on Loud & Proud Records. The power trio–Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) and Richie Kotzen (Mr. Big, Poison)—self-produced THE WINERY DOGS, which was mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour, Steel Panther).
Fans can pick up the debut on the band’s official website, iTunes, and Amazon. The band has already released three videos from the new album, “Elevate, “Desire,” and “I’m No Angel,” which can all be seen on their official YouTube page. “Elevate,” the album’s first single, debuted at #30 on Mediabase’s “Mainstream Rock” airplay chart last week.
To celebrate the new album, drummer Mike Portnoy invades websites across the Internet—including Musicradar.com, Revolvermag.com, Loudwire.com/Noisecreep.com, GuitarWorld.com, Drummagazine.com and ARTISTdirect.com–premiering video clips discussing new songs and THE WINERY DOGS’ new place in the music community.
THE WINERY DOGS kicked off their first-ever tour in Japan last week to sold-out crowds. After wrapping up the successful stint in Japan, they’ll head to South America before returning to the States for their first shows on home soil starting August 3 in New York City at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. While they’re in the Big Apple, THE WINERY DOGS will appear on “The Artie Lange Show,” which will air Monday, August 5 at 10pm ET on DirectTV and is streamed live on the show’s website. On Tuesday, August 6 at 7pm, the band will take part in an in-store performance and signing session at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ. For more information, visit www.vvinyl.com.
In radio news, THE WINERY DOGS will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show, “Rockline,” with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, August 14 at 8:30pm PT/11:30pm ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with the band that night by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). The show will be streamed on Rocklineradio.com for two weeks beginning the afternoon after the live broadcast.
Even before today’s release, THE WINERY DOGS has been racking up rave reviews:
“The self-titled debut Winery Dogs album is one of the most intriguing releases of the year. The all-star trio has delivered a blistering collection of soaring tunes.” – Loudwire.com
“Mike Portnoy is a lot of people’s favorite drummer, Billy Sheehan is a lot of people’s favorite bassist, and Richie Kotzen is a lot of people’s favorite guitarist. But as The Winery Dogs, they very well could be a lot of people’s favorite new band. Yes, their self-titled debut album is that kind of winner.” – Musicradar.com
“…a cohesive, well-rounded classic-sounding trio with blazing songs that defy expectation. The group’s self-titled debut is filled with straightforward rock and roll inspired by some of their favorite bands, and their music transcends any of the styles they’re best known for and melds their collective talents into a magnificent brew.” — Icon Vs. Icon
“Free-wheeling, jamming and cohesively playing on 13 equally stellar songs as if they’ve been a unit for 20 years, The Winery Dogs self-titled release should easily stand up at year’s end as one of hard rock’s top albums. And carve a niche for years to come.” – Examiner.com
“The talents of these three artists found throughout their previous bodies of work is well known and hugely well respected, but put the three of them together in one band, and the result is nothing short of spectacular! The Winery Dogs debut album, for me is the album of the year, and I don’t think anyone who has followed these three throughout their careers will disagree. Do yourself a favor, buy this album and put on the second to last track ‘The Dying,’ close your eyes and listen to three masters at their craft…and then tell all your friends to buy it too!” — Jammagazineonline.com
Check out THE WINERY DOGS at any of the following tour stops:
DATE CITY VENUE
Sat 8/3 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
Sun 8/4 Lancaster, PA Chameleon
Tue 8/6 Fords, NJ Vintage Vinyl (in-store)
Wed 8/7 Newton, NJ The Newton Theater
Thu 8/8 Chicago, IL Reggie’s Rock Club
Thu 10/3 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Club
Fri 10/4 Las Vegas, NV Vamp’d
Sat 10/5 San Diego, CA Romana Mainstage
Sun 10/6 San Juan Capistrano, CA Coach House
About Loud & Proud Records:
Loud & Proud Records was founded in 2007 by Tom Lipsky, and is currently in an exclusive distribution, marketing and label services agreement with RED Distribution, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. The label’s mission is to provide a true and transparent partnership between artists and their record label. Labels under Lipsky’s direction in the past (CMC International, Sanctuary) have been among the market leaders in the veteran artist space, delivering Gold and Platinum albums and DVDs for Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, The Allman Brothers Band, Widespread Panic, Iron Maiden, Styx, Megadeth, Bad Company, REO Speedwagon and more. In a previous joint-venture with Roadrunner Records, Loud & Proud was responsible for new albums by Rush, Rob Zombie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Lenny Kravitz, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Steve Miller Band, Collective Soul, Meat Loaf and Ratt. Loud & Proud’s current roster includes critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Willie Nile, supergroup rock band The Winery Dogs and Seattle’s artistic envelope-pushers Walking Papers. Loud & Proud Records is a registered trademark of Lipsky Music, LLC.
0 RICHIE KOTZEN – CHARITY CONCERT – LAST USA SHOW OF THE YEAR
KLOS and the AVALON HOLLYWOOD Presents:
2ND ANNUAL HUMANITY THRU MUSIC
Concert and PAWsta Dinner
A Benefit For FUR & FEATHER ANIMAL SANCTURY, a 501(c)3
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH @ The Avalon Hollywood
MULTI PLATINUM SINGER/SONG WRITER – RICHIE KOTZEN – TO HEADLINE THE CONCERT
T.V. Star – GRETCHEN BONADUCE – To Open With Her 80’s Band Ankhensenamen
Hosted By Pet Celebrity Trainer HARRISON FORBES
Come join us for the Second Annual Humanity Thru Music fundraiser in benefit of the Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to the safety and welfare of animals. KLOS and the AVALON HOLLYWOOD is hosting this year’s Humanity Thru Music Green Carpet and “PAWsta” dinner, which promises to be even more sensational than last year’s event.
This year’s event is bigger and better with more celebrities and more excitement! Strut down our Celebrity Green Carpet, and wag your tail while you rock-out at Hollywood’s most historic landmark, the Avalon Hollywood, on November, 13th.
This is the Second Annual “Humanity Thru Music” and our concert line-up is a howling good time with celebrity Gretchen Bonaduce and her 80’s band Ankhensenamen opening for Multi-platinum recording artist Richie Kotzen (Mr. Big/POISON). The night will be hosted by celebrity pet trainer and radio host Harrison Forbes from radio show PET TALK.
The first 100 tickets sold get a raffle ticket for a chance to win a HUGE Def Leppard package. The package includes: Signed guitar byt the whole band, signed 11×17 portrait of Def Leppard by their private photographer Ash Newell, and a signed bass-drum head by the whole band!!
The night starts with a Pawsta dinner buffet, cash bars, HUGE silent auction and raffles all in benefit of Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary, a 501(c)3 dedicated to much needed animal welfare in California. Tickets are $35 for General and $50 for VIP. TO BUY TICKETS and for more information on the ticket levels go to www.wantickets.com, www.ticketfly.com or call 818.398.0340.
Humanity Thru Music is a fundraising celebration for the safety & welfare of animals as well as the environment. Our Goal is to build the first fully solar/wind powered no-kill sanctuary in California where high-kill shelters still exist and animal cruelty runs. We are currently fundraising to buy land and build homes where animals can live in healthy surroundings until they are adopted. This environment will protect and allow all animals to live to see their full potential. Humanity Thru Music encourages people to participate in the fight for a No-Kill Nation and Solar World. We want our guests to walk away having been empowered to make a difference in the world.
For more info on F&FAS go to www.furfeather.org and for info on the event for to www.955klos.com or www.avalonhollywood.com.
0 Guitar Guru RICHIE KOTZEN To Release New CD “24 HOURS” on 11/11/11
FIRST SINGLE “24 HOURS” AVAILABLE ON ITUNES SEPTEMBER 1st
After 2 years of extensive international touring, guitar virtuoso, singer/ songwriter Richie Kotzen is back to unleash his new album 24 HOURS, releasing November 11 on Headroom-Inc.
24 HOURS reflects the guitar style’s that has defined his career as a virtuoso, while taking it to another level of playing. “I feel like I have reached a new level of soloing on the opening track 24 HOURS,” explains Kotzen. “I stopped using a guitar pick on electric a few years ago and my playing has evolved in a different way. Some of the solo lines I play on the song 24 HOURS, and others as well, are lines I would have never been able to play with a guitar pick. So I would say the solo’s on this CD are at a different level than previous recordings.”
24 HOURS is an absorbing collective blend of Kotzen’s musical influences and diversity. 24 hours takes you on an inspired, musical journey as the opening track sets the tone that falls stylistically somewhere between early Van Halen and Sly and the Family Stone. Kotzen also brought in his talented daughter, August Kotzen and friend Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, to complete the album. “My daughter, August is singing with me on a few songs and is playing electric piano on the song STOP ME,” states Kotzen. “My friend Jerry Cantrell is singing backgrounds on LOVE IS BLIND and does a very cool lead vocal ad-lib in the final chorus of the tune.”
24 HOURS is an album that has been in the works since Kotzen started playing guitar. The guitar virtuoso burst onto the heavy metal scene as a teenager with a lightning-fast guitar techniques. With his talents Kotzen has played with some of the best musicians; securing such major collaboration with the band Mr. Big and renowned jazz great Stanley Clarke as well as his own solo projects. “I have been lucky in the sense that I have been able to play with guys who I could learn from,” explains Kotzen. “The biggest musical lesson for me was playing in a band with Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. Obviously these guys are jazz musicians and I am not, but I learned so much from the time we recorded and toured together. My favorite rock bassist is Billy Sheehan and we were in Mr. Big together for 3 years which was awesome.”
24 HOURS was recorded and produced in Kotzen’s studio Headroom-Inc. 24 HOURS will be released on 11.11.11. Expect the first single, title track 24 HOURS to hit airwaves sometime soon. For more information go to www.richiekotzen.com.
0 Guitar Guru & Singer/Songwriter RICHIE KOTZEN On World Tour
LONG AWAITED USA TOUR DATES IN OVER A DECADE
Kotzens New Masterpiece PEACE SIGN Out NOW!
USA TOUR DATES HERE & VIP PACKAGES
Richie Kotzen will hit the road on his world tour starting in South America April 22nd in Goiania, Brazil, but is working his way back to his long-awaited return to the USA. This will be his first string of tour dates in the USA in over a decade and a concert not to miss. He will be performing from his 17 plus solo albums with various charting hits he wrote or performed with Poison and Mr. Big.
Kotzens latest critically acclaimed release PEACE SIGN on Headroom Inc is sweeping the Nation. Kotzen has an amazing ability to create projects that awe critics and inspire aspiring musicians having done it again with his new release. “I’m really excited about this new CD,” explains Kotzen. “I’m not sure how I did it, but somehow I think it has a really live sound, even though I’m playing all the instruments on all but four songs. I think it is because of the music I grew up on. Bands like Cream, The Stones, and of course Hendrix all had that ‘live — create it on the spot’ sound so I suppose that is the way I hear music.
Kotzen has been touted as “one of the best guitar players in the world” with a voice on par with some of the greatest rock/soul singers. He has also enjoyed a truly incredible journey in the world of music. Among numerous accomplishments, in 2006 as a solo artist, Kotzen was the opening act for the legendary Rolling Stones’ A Bigger Bang Tour in Japan. And in addition to writing and being featured on #1 charting albums and tracks, Kotzen has amassed an impressive 25 plus album discography.
Come see the hot ticket of the year and one of the greatest guitar players to hit the pages of Guitar Player Magazine, Guitar World and more! USA tour dates below~
VIP Packages are available on this tour. VIP Packages include:
– One (1) VIP ticket with early entry to the venue.
Attend sound check with RICHIE KOTZEN!
– A meet and greet with RICHIE KOTZEN!
– An autographed, limited edition RICHIE KOTZEN 2010 Peace SIgn World Tour commemorative Poster (In addition to your personal item, Richie will also personalize the poster for you at the meet and greet if you’d like)
– A RICHIE KOTZEN VIP commemorative laminate.
– A RICHIE KOTZEN 2010 Peace Sign World Tour T-Shirt.
– A copy of Richie’s new CD PEACE SIGN
USA TOUR DATES & CLININCS
May 10 *Sam Ash Guitar Clinic Orlando, FL
May 11 Skipper’s Smokehouse Tampa FL
May 12 Club 57 West Orlando FL
May 13 Freebird Live Jacksonville, FL
May 14 The Local Marietta, GA
May 15 *Sam Ash Guitar Clinic Nashville, TN
May 16 Mercy Lounge Nashville, TN
May 18 Jaxx Night Club West Springfield, VA
May 19 The North Star Bar Philadelphia, PA
May 20 *Sam Ash Guitar Clinic Philadelphia, PA
May 21 The Works Reading, PA
May 22 Diesel Club Lounge Pittsburgh, PA
May 24 *Sam Ash Guitar Clinic NYC, NY
May 25 Highline Ballroom New York, NY
May 26 Toad’s Place New Haven, CT
May 27 Showcase Live Foxboro, MA
For more information visit www.richiekotzen.com
0 Paul Gilbert, George Lynch and Richie Kotzen to Perform Three Shows
Guitar Maestro’s PAUL GILBERT, GEORGE LYNCH and RICHIE KOTZEN
Perform 3 Exclusive Shows
THE GUITAR GENERATION Coming To Southern California
Get prepared for a musical extravaganza. Three big shows, three big nights –
Wed – February 25 – House of Blues – San Diego, CA
Sat – February 28 – House of Blues – Los Angeles, CA
Mon – March 02 – House of Blues – Anaheim, CA
These three masters of the electric guitar will bring their unique styles, best songs, and most inspired solos to you LIVE. Each will have their own 45 minute set accompanied by their band, followed by an unforgettable encore jam with all three guitarists onstage at one time! Every show will rock, inspire your imagination, celebrate and remind you all why we are all part of… THE GUITAR GENERATION~
PAUL GILBERT:
Paul Gilbert burst onto the guitar scene with his band RACER X when he was only 19. His astonishing technical prowess and imaginative use of the Makita power drill instantly gained him a reputation as a Founding Father of Shred Guitar. Paul went on to form “super-group”, MR. BIG and enjoyed No. 1 chart success and massive world tours. Paul has also released over 10 solo CDs, and his legendary instructional DVDs are revered as the best in the business.
Known for his extreme virtuoso on-stage playing, passionate musicality, and quick “tongue in cheek” wit, Paul’s live performances have become legendary. In the past year, he toured with “G3” (featuring Joe Satriani and John Petrucci) and also supported Satriani on a sold out UK tour.
Paul had such a remarkable time on the G3 Tour that he was eager to get back to the USA and create a stunning and unique show featuring his two impeccable fellow guitarist friends, George Lynch and Richie Kotzen….and the GUITAR GENERATION TOUR was born!
GEORGE LYNCH:
Inventing, re-inventing and pushing the limits of rock guitar is the lifelong pursuit of guitarist George Lynch. From his work with Exciter, Dokken, Lynch Mob his new band, Souls Of We, George is revered as one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time. George has also designed a new line of guitar products that give guitarists around the world the opportunity and capability to push their own limits.
With a career that spans nearly 30 years, George is one of a long line of guitarists to come from the California hard rock world. But one distinction that separates him from the rest of the pack is that he remains to be musically relevant. For some, success was fleeting but none have left their indelible mark like Lynch has. He has survived the shortcomings of the tangled music business and the changing tides in musical trends.
Much of George Lynch’s success is credited to guitarmanship; however his song writing helped propel five highly successful Dokken albums from 1983 to 1988 to the top of the charts and won him recognition as one of the most influential rock guitarists in modern music. Another distinction that separates him from others of this genre is that his guitar playing earned Dokken a Grammy nomination in 1989 for Best Rock Instrumental for the now legendary, “Mr.Scary.” With the new decade came a different George Lynch in the 1990s. A bolder stylist and more knowledgeable guitarist was found in him as he formed the band Lynch Mob. Recording two albums and going back on the road to support them kept Lynch in the public eye and garnered him rave reviews. But he was yearning for a further approach to the guitar. While still promoting his work with Lynch Mob, he began work on a solo endeavor titled, “Sacred Groove” which demonstrated Lynch’s capacity to display different musical and guitar styles.
Lynch will always be creatively busy while constantly evolving as a musician. As Lynch continues to broaden his musical scope, he will continue to influence fans for years to come as a player and song writer who is always on top of his game!
RICHIE KOTZEN:
Richie Kotzen erupted onto the music scene as a guitar virtuoso at age 17. He recorded his first solo album on Shrapnel Records with four more solo albums to follow. By 19 Kotzen was approached by glam metal band Poison in which he wrote the #4 MTV Video and top 20 Billboard hit “STAND” on the Native Tongue album hitting platinum status soon thereafter. After Poison, Kotzen continued recording on various labels including Geffen, Shrapnel and JVC and joined a stint with famed bassist Stanley Clarke. Later that year Kotzen joined Mr. Big best known for their #1 hit song “JUST TO BE WITH YOU” stepping in for shred guitar guru Paul Gilbert.
Known for his soulful singing and captivating stage shows, Kotzen continues to solo on massive world tours. Kotzens popularity has grown to astronomical proportions in over 7 countries, where he regularly tours, landing him the opening slot as the opening act for the legendary Rolling Stones a Bigger Bang Tour in Japan.
Kotzen has released 17 solo albums, 9 collaborative/band albums, an instructional & home DVD landing him to the top of a multi-platinum career.
By invitation, Kotzen joined Paul Gilbert on stage at the House of Blues on Sunset Strip, where they tore down the house separately and collectively for an encore that proved big guitars and virtuoso players still rule the rock stage. In excitement to repeat this amazing synergy Kotzen accepted to join fellow guitarists and friends, Paul Gilbert and George Lynch for THE GUITAR GENERATION!
Get your tickets now – you never know who will show up on the stage and join this triple threat in action. For ticket information go to www.hob.com and info on the artists go to www.paulgilbert.com, www.georgelynch.com and www.richiekotzen.com
6 2008 New Rock Releases and Reissues (Updated)
I started compiling the following list of New releases for 2008. This may not be a complete list, but so much great new music has arrived in 2008, so far, I though it would be a good idea to keep a running tab of what has come out, and what is on the way. The releases through August have been confirmed. Releases with a question mark have not been confirmed yet. This list will be updated as more news arrives.
Updated July 9, 2008
January
Drive By Truckers – Brigher Than Creation’s Dark
Airbourne – Running Wild (U.S. Release)
Bullet For My Valentine – Scream Aim Fire
Gamma Ray – Land of the Free, Part 2
Ayreon – 01011001
American Speedway – Ship of Fools
Lillian Axe – Love and War (Reissue)
Lillian Axe – S/T (Reissue)
Sleeze Beez – Screwed Blued & Tattooed (Reissue)
Sleeze Beez – Powertool (Reissue)
Stonerider – Three Legs of Trouble
Thieves & Liars – When Dreams Become Reality
Tiles – Fly Paper
Saint Daemon – In Shadows Lost From the Brave
Pagan’s Mind – God’s Equation
February
DVD – Iron Maiden – Live After Death
DVD – Scorpions – Live at Wacken Open Air 2006
DVD – Overkill – Live at Wacken Open Air 2007
DVD – Thin Lizzy – Live and Dangerous
Three – End is Begun
Pillar – For the Love of the Game
Avantasia – The Scarecrow
UFO – Phenomenon (Reissue)
UFO – No Heavy Pettin (Reissue)
UFO – Force It (Reissue)
Type O Negative – Dead Again (Red Version)
Hurricane – Over the Edge (Reissue)
Hurricane – Take What You Want (Reissue)
Hurricane – Slave To the Thrill (Reissue)
Hericane Alice – Tear the House Down (Reissue)
Baton Rouge – Shake Your Soul (Reissue)
Baton Rouge – Lights Out on The Playground (Reissue)
Wrathchild America – Climbing the Walls (Reissue)
Tangier – Four Winds (Reissue)
Tangier – Stranded (Reissue)
Danko Jones – Never Too Loud
King’s Call – No Alibi
March
Benedictum – Seasons of Tragedy
Inflikted – Cavalera Conspiracy
Saving Abel – S/T
Steve Stevens – Memory Crash
Firewind – The Premonition
DVD – Zebra
King Kobra – Ready to Strike (Reissue)
King Kobra – Thrill of a Lifetime (Reissue)
Icon – Right Between the Eyes (Reissue)
Black Tide – Light From Above
House of Lords – Come To My Kingdom
Warrior – Fighting For The Earth (Reissue)
Shannon – Angel in Disguise
Whitecross – 1987
Black Crowes – Warpaint
Diamond Head – Borrowed Time (Reissue)
Diamond Head – Canterbury (Reissue)
April
Fatal Smile – World Domination
Saints of the Underground – Love the Sin, Hate the Sinner
Theory of a Deadman – Scars & Souvenirs
Whitesnake – Good To Be Bad
Dominici – 03 A Trilogy Part 3
Asia – Phoenix
Testament – The Formation of Damnation
The Sword – Gods of The Earth
Dream Theater – Greatest Hit (And 21 other pretty cool songs)
P.O.D. – When Angels and Serpents Dance
Sevendust – Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow
In Flames – Sense of Purpose
Kamelot – Ghost Opera: The Second Coming
Ministry – Cover Up
DVD – Axel Rudi Pell – Live Over Europe
Keel – Lay Down the Law (Reissue)
White Lion – Return of the Pride
Circle II Circle – Delusions of Grandeur
Crimson Glory – S/T (Reissue)
Crimson Glory – Transcendence (Reissue)
Tantric – The End Begins
Nine Inch Nails – Ghosts I – IV
May
Iron Maiden – Somewhere Back In Time: The Best Of 1980-1989
MSG – In the Midst of Beauty
3 Doors Down – S/T
Bombay Black – Psycho Magnet
Def Leppard – Songs From The Sparkle Lounge
Kip Winger – From the Moon To the Sun
Eden – Oblivion
King’s X – XV
M.ILL.ION – Thrill Of The Chase
Dokken – Lightning Strikes Again
10 Years – Division
Jon Oliva’s Pain – Global Warning
Flotsam and Jetsam – Cuatro (Reissue)
Gun Barrel – Outlaw invasion
Brother Firetribe – Heart Full of Fire
Circle II Circle – Delusions of Grandeur
Southern Gentleman – Valley of Fire
10 Years – Division
Glenn Hughes – First Underground Nuclear Kitchen
Souls of We – Let The Truth Be Known (Featuring George Lynch and London LeGrand)
June
Disturbed – Indestructible
Bret Michaels – Rock My World
Man Raze – Surreal
Motley Crue – Saints of Los Angeles
Judas Priest – Nostradamus (2 CD Set)
JORN – Lonely Are the Brave
Flotsam & Jetsam – When The Storm Comes Down (Reissue)
Clusterhead – Times of No Trust
Shinedown – The Sound of Madness
Harem Scarem – Hope
Valient Thorr – Immortalizer
July
The Dogs Divine – Way of Life
Stephen Pearcy – Under My Skin
Tesla – Comin Atcha Live – DVD
Hydrogyn – Deadly Passions
Gypsy Rose – S/T (Featuring David Reece)
Harem Scarem – Hope
Ritchie Kotzen – Live in San Paolo
Silent Rage – Four Letter World
Night Ranger – Hole in the Sun
Jet Black Stare – In This Life
Jesse James Dupree and Dixie Inc – Rev It Up and Go Go
Alice Cooper – Along Came a Spider
Black Sabbath – The Rules of Hell CD Boxset
August
Black Stone Cherry – Folklore & Superstition
Slipknot – All Hope is Gone
Trapt – Only Through The Pain (Aug 5th)
The Showdown – Back Breaker
Dragonforce – Ultra Beatdown
Extreme – Saudades De Rock (Aug 15th)
Asphalt Valentine?
September
Tesla?
Papa Roach – Metamorphisis
Evergrey – Torn
Bullet – Bite the Bullet
Buckcherry – Black Butterfly
Metallica – Death Magnetic
Iced Earth – The Crucible Of Man (Something Wicked Part II)
October
Anthrax?
November
Starbreaker – Love’s Dying Wish
December
AC/DC?
Aerosmith?
1 Preview Richie Kotzen’s Live in San Paulo
RICHIE KOTZEN, former guitarist for MR BIG and POISON has now a very strong cult following in Europe as a solo artist. With a series of very consistent and quality releases.
“Live in Sao Paulo” is Richie Kotzen’s first-ever live album which came about when Kotzen after much prompting from fans, chose for the purpose a stellar performance from his South American tour in 2007.
His live performance reflects the guitar style’s that has defined his career as a virtuoso. Kotzen reveals to fans live his true diversity with the rhythmic labours of “A Love Divine” to the poignant ballad “Remember”. The performance continually travels between moments of classic-rock song “Shapes of Things”, to the uplifting original “Stand”.
A real must-have release for all Kotzen fans and for the followers of early Van Halen, Bad Company and Free.
– Sound samples in mp3 (click on the song title to listen to a 90 sec. mp3 sample):
Doin’ What The Devil Says To Do
0 Preview Richie Kotzen’s Live in San Paolo
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the European release of “Live In Sao Paulo“, Richie Kotzen’s first-ever live album on July 4th 2008. With much prompting from fans, Kotzen chose for the purpose a stellar performance from his South American tour in 2007.
“Live in Sao Paulo” is an absorbing collective blend of Kotzen’s songs throughout the years. His live performance reflects the guitar style’s that has defined his career as a virtuoso. Kotzen reveals to fans live his true diversity with the rhythmic labours of “A Love Divine” to the poignant ballad “Remember”. The performance continually travels between moments of classic-rock song “Shapes of Things”, to the uplifting original “Stand”.
Kotzen is influenced from such bands as Bad Company, Free, early Van
Halen and Cream. They are the inspiration for his songs, but having deep Philly roots Kotzen tends to combine rock with the Motown influences he heard as a kid. “Much influence for my songs comes from the likes of the Spinners, O-Jays, and Curtis Mayfield”, explains Kotzen. “Growing up outside Philadelphia and listening to those old soul stations I ended up with that sound being a heavy influence in my writing even though the core of what I do is Rock”.
Kotzen burst onto the heavy metal scene as a teenager with a lightning-fast guitar techniques. With his talents, Kotzen has played with some of the best musicians; securing such major collaboration with the band Mr. Big and renowned jazz great Stanley Clarke as well as his own solo projects. “I have been lucky, in the sense, that I have been able to play with guys who I could learn from. The biggest musical lesson for me was playing in a band with Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. Obviously these guys are jazz musicians and I am not, but I learned so much from the time we recorded and toured together. My favourite rock bassist is Billy Sheehan and we were in Mr. Big together for 3 years which was awesome”.
“Live In Sao Paulo” tracklisting includes:
Socialite; High; Remember; Fooled Again; Faith; So Cold; A Love Divine; Shapes Of Things; Doin’ What The Devil Says To Do; I’m Losing You; Mother Head’s Family Reunion; Stand.
Click on the highlighted tracks above to preview the song!
