Richie Kotzen has always been on a clear, laser-focused mission as an artist. While he is rightfully acknowledged worldwide for being a stellar guitar player, an emotive singer, and, frankly, a balls-out dynamic live performer to boot, Kotzen is quite aware he must maintain an ever-vigilant eye on ensuring one particularly important creative arrow in his artistic quiver continues to be properly nurtured — and that is his songwriting. Throughout his career, Kotzen has released over 20 solo albums, showcasing his versatility across genres. His collaborations with bands like Poison and Mr. Big brought him international recognition. In 2012, he co-founded the supergroup The Winery Dogs, releasing acclaimed albums that blend hard rock with blues influences.
For over 30 years, JOHN 5 has been one of the most in-demand guitar players on the planet. As well as being a songwriter/guitarist for hire, JOHN 5 has shared the stage as axe-man for Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Rob Halford. And In October 2022, it was announced that JOHN 5 would be joining Mötley Crüe as their guitarist following the announcement that Mick Mars would be retiring. He has also worked with an impressive array of names, from all walks of music, including KD Lang, Rod Stewart, David Lee Roth, Alice Cooper, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Meatloaf, Dolly Parton, and Ricky Martin. JOHN 5 continues to tour with Mötley Crüe including an upcoming residency in Las Vegas in 2025. To call JOHN 5 a shredder does not do him justice. Award-winning guitarist and songwriter Slash has even been quoted as saying: “John 5 is hands-down one of the most mind-blowing guitarists around.”